Household Support Fund (HSF)

The Council has been given £1.69million from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to provide support to a wide range of low-income households who are most in need with the cost of essentials.

The scheme will run from 1 October 2024 to 31 March 2025 to help those who are struggling to afford household essentials including energy and water bills, food, and wider essentials.

Support will be staggered over the coming months to help reach the Borough's most vulnerable households.

Am I eligible for support?

This latest Household Support Fund is being offered in the following ways.

Support for all households in receipt of Council Tax Reduction

If you are eligible for Council Tax Reduction you will receive an £80 voucher, exchangeable for money, to be used to help pay energy and food costs.

The vouchers can be exchanged for cash at any PayPoint outlet and will begin distribution from the end of November 2024. There's no need to contact us - vouchers will be sent out automatically between November and January.

Vouchers must be exchanged for cash no later than 28 February 2025.

I don't get Council Tax Reduction but I still need support. What can I do?

There are discretionary payments of £80 per application available to low-income, energy paying households who do not receive Council Tax Reduction.

Households can check if they are eligible for this discretionary support to help pay their energy costs through our online application process. 

You may be eligible for this payment if:

• you live in the Borough of Stockton-on-Tees
• your household does not get Council Tax Reduction 
• you are liable to pay the household energy bills or prepayment meters
• your total net weekly household income does not exceed £425 for a single person, £525 for a couple, or £625 for a family

You can apply for the discretionary payment online.

Discretionary payments of £80 per application will also become available to elderly households who do not claim Pension Credit, and therefore do not receive winter fuel payments. More information will follow soon about this application based support.

Support for Care Leavers

People aged 18 to 25 years who have left care will receive a voucher worth £80.

Support for low-income elderly households not receiving winter fuel payments

Households with pensioners who are not eligible for Pension Credit but are on a low-income will be sent a £100 voucher. Distribution of these vouchers will start in January.

Support for people accessing the 'Back on Track' scheme

The funding will also be used to supplement the Council's Back on Track Scheme. This scheme provides support to vulnerable people in financial crisis.

Other cost of living help and support available

We want to make sure that you are aware of all the help and support available. Visit the Here to Help Hub to access a 'one stop shop' with all of the support services available including energy saving schemes, welfare assistance, food banks as well as health, housing and employment advice.