Apply for a Household Support Fund payment

Applications for payments are currently closed.

The Household Support Fund is a scheme funded by the government to help low income households.

The money we're given is for help with costs like food, bills and other essentials such as clothing.

Who can apply

To apply for a payment, you must:

  • live in the Canterbury district and be 16 or over (including university students)
  • have a total household income of £30,000 or less - this includes any money from employment or benefits
  • not have access to any money to support your situation

You can only apply for one type of help per household - so for example, you cannot submit an application for food bills and an application for help with energy costs.

How much money you can apply for

Type of application Amount
Help with food costs £300
Help with energy and water costs £300
Other essentials like period products, clothes and broadband £100
Repairing or replacing a boiler or one white goods item up to £2,500
Rent arrears up to £1000
Council tax arrears up to £1000

We can’t make payments for mortgage costs.

What you need to submit with your application

You’ll need to give us:

  • bank statements for the last three months 
  • proof of your address
  • proof of any benefits you get
  • proof of any benefits for anyone over 16 that lives with you 
  • bank statements for the last three months for anyone over 16 that lives with you and gets benefits or is employed
  • if you're applying for council tax arrears - your latest council tax statement or arrears letter
  • if you're applying for rent arrears - your latest rent statement or arrears letter
  • if you're applying for boiler or white goods repairs - two quotes for the work
  • if you're applying for a replacement boiler or white goods item - a receipt showing proof of purchase

What happens after we get your application

We’ll look at all applications based on individual needs, the information and supporting evidence you give us, and the money available.

We'll give priority to people in urgent need, and any applications for council tax or rent arrears might be looked at separately.

If there is high demand for payments, you might not be given any money.

When you'll get a reply from us

We normally let you know the outcome of your application within 28 working days. 

If your application is not successful we’ll explain the reasons why.

The Household Support Fund 4 Framework sets out full details of the scheme and how payments are made: 

You can also see our privacy notice for how we'll use your personal data.