The household support fund round 7 Part 1 (HSF7.1) can help people experiencing financial hardship with a particular emphasis on food and energy costs over the summer months.
Read the Household Support Fund policy (PDF, 164KB)
The fund is provided by the government and will run until 30 September 2025 or until all funds are spent.
The second part of the Household Support Fund (HSF7.2) will launch in October/November 2025 to help over the winter months.
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 council tax reduction is eligible for the support as well as anyone 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 and we'll call or email you to discuss your needs.
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.
What support will I receive?
You will be issued with a food voucher by our third-party supplier Edenred, these can be used in a variety of supermarkets or online.
You will only receive support once over the summer months, so the council is able to support as many residents as possible.
If you have requested help with fuel, 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 – Better Housing Better Health can be found via their website https://www.bhbh.org.uk/
Please allow 28 days to process your household support fund application before contacting the council.