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.