DWP issues a major update on a huge free cash fund offering households up to £1,000
A MAJOR update has been released ahead of the closure of a huge free cash fund offering households up to £1,000.
The support will be provided through the £842 million Household Support Fund (HSF), which expires on March 31.
The support has been extended four times since it was launched, but so far the government has refused to confirm whether it will be extended.
However, The Sun understands the DWP has not ruled out a fifth HSF extension.
The department will evaluate the merits of the latest expansion and confirm that a fifth expansion of the HSF is “under review.”
Under the HSF, each municipality receives a different share of funding, depending on the size of the catchment area, population and need.
Households can receive supermarket vouchers or cash grants worth up to £1,000.
But the exact amount you can get depends on where you live, so you should check what you can get and how your council will pay you.
Some municipalities pay out automatically, while other municipalities require an application form to be completed.
Other municipalities can use the financing from the scheme to make homes more energy efficient.
To receive the assistance, you usually must have a low income.
Industry bodies, including the Local Government Association, are actively calling on the government to renew funding for the program after it closes on March 31.
Cllr Pete Marland, chairman of the Local Government Association's economy and resources council, said: “Councils agree that the Household Support Fund should continue for at least a year beyond the end of March.
“Demand for local welfare support remains at record levels, with the cost of energy, housing and other essentials remaining exceptionally high relative to income and continuing to rise.
“Without an extension, there is a risk that more households will fall into financial crisis and homelessness.”
Halide Kalfaoglu, advantages expert at Turn2us, said: “The government needs to expand it and create a long-term strategy for local crisis support in England.
“Given this uncertainty, we would like to encourage people to apply for support from their local council as soon as possible.”
Last week the DWP warned Sun readers struggling with their energy, water and other essential bills to contact their local authority and ask about the HSF before it's too late.
What is the Domestic Support Fund?
The Household Support Fund was first launched in October 2021 to help Brits get through the winter amid the cost of living.
Councils across the country were given a share of the £500 million funding available to hand out to Brits in need.
It was then extended for a second time in the Spring Budget 2022 and for a third time in October 2022 to help people on the lowest incomes with the rising cost of living.
The DWP subsequently confirmed a fourth extension of the scheme until March 31, 2024.
The help you can receive depends on who your municipality is and your personal circumstances.
But if you qualify, you should be able to get free cash and vouchers to help pay for things like heating your home or your weekly grocery shop.
Check with your municipality to find out what support is available and what the eligibility criteria are.
How much can I get?
The exact amount available to you through the HSF scheme depends on the criteria of your municipality.
For example, Birmingham City Council, the country's largest local authority, is providing cash grants of up to £200 to households currently in financial difficulty through the HSF scheme.
The money is intended to help with food costs and utility payments.
To be placed on the waitlist, you must complete a registration form by visiting
A team member near you will contact you by March 31 to complete your complete application.
Households living in North Yorkshire must take action by February 21 to secure supermarket vouchers worth up to £450.
If you have received a letter stating that you are eligible for a payment, you must select your e-vouchers by February 20.
To do this, visit
Residents who received housing benefit on or between January 26, 2023 and February 25, 2023, but were not eligible for living expenses payments in April and May 2023 for those on low income benefits or tax credits, can receive £450.
Residents who get the maximum discount to pay their council tax bill through the income-tested tax relief scheme from August 14, 2023 can get £110.
Support is available for West Northamptonshire residents earning less than £450 per week.
Households who apply before March 31 can receive a grant worth £300.
Visit for more information.
How do you apply?
To get help, you will need to contact your municipality, as local authorities are responsible for distributing the funding.
To find your municipality, use the gov.uk council seeker.
Once you've found your municipality, there should be information on the website about how to apply for the funding.
Each municipality has a different application process, so the exact details of how to apply will vary depending on where you live.
This means that the eligibility requirements to access the fund may also vary. For more information, it is best to contact your municipality.
Some municipalities do not require you to apply for the assistance and will instead contact you if you qualify.
If there is no information on your council's website, it is best to call them and ask for more information.