The government has allocated Croydon Council £6,027,379 Household Support Fund Extension Grant for the period 1 April 2023 – 31 March 2024. It is mostly to be made available from June. However, £200,000 is available now for people in crisis.

All residents who fulfil the eligibility criteria will have their applications considered for:

·         Top-ups for pre-paid energy and water meters

·         Assistance with energy and water bills debts

·         Food vouchers 

·         Essential items relating to energy or water e.g., clothing, bedding, heater, and appliances. 

·         Essential items relating to food e.g., slow cooker, microwave, cooker, fridge.

·         Items related to essential transport e.g., travel ticket, bicycle and helmet. 

·         Other essential household items e.g., furniture, minor adaptions, draft excluders

·         Housing support (in exceptional circumstances, excluding mortgage payment)

Application turnaround time is typically 1-2 weeks. However, in urgent cases it will be done within 1-3 working days. 

A. Primary eligibility criteria

·         Evidence of a low income, and 

·         Evidence of a crisis or

·         Evidence of hardship or

·         Risk of escalation (including referral from statutory services), and

·         An identified need e.g., vulnerability disability, health issue, carer, children

B. Secondary eligibility criteria 

·         Priority given to first time applicants, those not eligible for other types of help.

·         Typically, one appliance only per application

·         Awards typically capped and prioritised in accordance with published guidelines. 

·         Additional discretion can be applied in exceptional circumstances. 

·         Support with housing costs will only be provided in exceptional circumstances.

·         It will not be awarded for ongoing housing costs or unsustainable tenancies. 

·         It will not be awarded to provide mortgage support.

·         In exceptional and genuine emergencies, it can provide support for historical arrears.

Residents can apply online Household Support Fund (HSF) | Croydon Council or they can call 0208 760 5719.