Household Support Fund
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What is the Household Support Fund?
The Department of Work and pensions has provided local authorities across England with funding to support families most in need to help with significantly rising living costs.
We have now received funding for the Household Support Fund. The funding will cover from April 2023 to March 2024.
The fund will support households who would struggle to meet food and energy bills without support.
We will continue to work with schools and early years settings to identify households with children who can receive the support.
How to apply
If you think you would be eligible for support from the fund, please talk to your child’s school or early years setting.
If your child isn't in an early years setting please talk to your health visitor.
When payments will be made
Payments for autumn will be made by the end of October with further payments in December and Spring 2024.
If you are experiencing financial hardship, speak to:
- your child’s school or Children’s Centre
- a Health Visitor
- any other social care or health professional
They will be able to make an application for you.
Food vouchers
Funding for April 2023 to March 2024 has been allocated to the council and for households with children we are continuing to work with schools and early years settings to identify eligible households.
Vouchers will be issued in April, July, Oct, Dec 2023 and spring 2024. If you believe you are eligible, please speak to your child's school or early years setting. If your child does not attend any of the above settings, please speak to your local children's centre.
For children who receive free school meals, there is our BACE holiday programme that provides fun activities with a hot meal during the Easter, Summer and Christmas holidays. Information can be found at barnetyouth.uk
In addition for families who require support we have three Child and Family Early Help Hubs that parents can contact.
We have produced a leaflet to help guide you through the advice and support available to families at this difficult time of year.
For more information contact Family Information Service on 0800 389 8312.
Welfare Rights
Our Welfare Rights Advisors are on hand to help with any housing and benefits claims you may have.
The advisors will make sure families are receiving support and can offer help with any applications you need to make.
Email: WelfareRights@barnet.gov.uk
Food Banks
In addition we are supporting local food banks so families and individuals can receive help with food.
Support information for adults
If you need financial help with the cost of living, heating your home and providing food, there are lots of different organisations that can help.
They offer a range of information and advice, support to manage your money, maximise your income, and can help if you are in debt or need financial assistance.
For Adults over 55 please call AgeUK Barnet and ask for the Household Support Fund Team on 020 8203 5040 or email Age UK Barnet
For Adults over 18 but under 54 please call BOOST and ask for Household Support Fund Team on 020 8359 2442 or email BOOST
A list of more organisations who will also be able to assist you can be found on our Household support fund for adults page