The household support fund round 7 Part 2 (HSF7.2) can help people experiencing financial hardship with a particular emphasis on food and energy costs over the winter months.
Household support fund policy (PDF, 164KB)
The fund is provided by The UK Government and will run until 31 March 2026 or until all funds are spent.
We are working with the county council and other external partners to support residents to apply for help.
Can I get this support?
You may be eligible for support if you are a resident of Folkestone & Hythe District and your household is struggling financially to afford food and utility bills and have no other available support.
Anyone in receipt of a means tested benefit such as Council Tax Reduction or Universal Credit is eligible for the support as well as any household on a low income under £33k.
If you are claiming on a low income, you may be asked to provide proof of your income before any award is made to you.
Application is made online but if you need help to apply send us your details to support@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk and we'll call or email you to discuss your needs. Please can you include your account number, 1st line of address and your preferred method of contact in your email.
If you are already working with a local support agency, support worker or charity, they might be able to help you to apply. Ask the group leader or support worker you already have a relationship with to see if they can help you apply.
If you need help with your online application, you can call us on 01303 853555 and select options for Household Support Fund. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm.
What support can I receive?
- Food Vouchers
- Children’s Winter Clothing
- Beds/Mattresses
- Energy help
- Energy Saving Items such as Heated Airers, Air Fryers, Dehumidifiers, Heated Throws
You may be issued with supermarket voucher by our third-party supplier Edenred for food, children’s winter clothing and LPG, these can be used in a variety of supermarkets or online.
If you have requested help with additional items such as a heated airer, an air fryer, fuel oil and beds/mattresses please be aware that there is a large demand for these goods and funding is limited. Your application for these products will be placed on a waiting list and a decision will be made when funding has been allocated however this will not delay your supermarket voucher being awarded.
Due to the number of applications, we will not be able to contact you directly if you have been unsuccessful.
You will only receive support once over the winter months, so the council is able to support as many residents as possible.
If you have requested help with energy, heated throws or dehumidifiers, a referral may also be made to KCC and the National Energy Foundation – Better Housing Better Health. Awards for this help is based on the criteria provided by their schemes and not that of Folkestone & Hythe District Council.
Further information regarding the National Energy Foundation can be found at Better Housing Better Health.
Demand for this scheme has previously been extremely high so please allow us 28 days to process your household support fund application before contacting the council.
Application for Household support fund