Household support fund

Support available for UK Households

How can the fund support me and my family? 

The grant is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions. The scheme also aims to support those on a low income who have limited savings and are particularly at risk due to factors such as disabilities or caring for young children. 

The fund can support with 

Food - vouchers, cash or food in-kind. 

Energy and water to support with domestic heating, cooking or lighting, including oil or portable gas cylinders. It can also be used to support water bills. 

Essentials linked to energy and water including sanitary products, warm clothing, soap, blankets, boiler service/repair, purchase of new and used equipment including white goods, etc.), in recognition that a range of costs may arise which directly affect a household’s ability to access food, energy and water.  

Wider essentials these may include support with other bills including broadband or phone bills, clothing, and essential transport-related costs such as repairing a car or paying for fuel. This list is not exhaustive.  

Housing Costs where existing housing support schemes do not meet need, the fund can be used to support some elements of housing costs.   

Our team may ask for the following: 

• last two months bank statements and;  
• a recent energy bill 

HMGov's cost of living support hub 

How are decisions made? 

Your application will be assessed, and we will explain our final decision. If you were referred by a third-party partner, we will provide them with the outcome of the decision. 

Can someone apply on my behalf? 

A family member or friend can apply for you. 

Can anyone help me apply? 

The Northumberland Communities Together Team can help with your application. Call 01670 620015 between 9am and 6pm, seven days a week.  

Will there be changes made? 

If we need to make changes, all updated information will be available on this page.  

How do I spend my food e-vouchers? 

If you are awarded an e-voucher, you will need to convert this into a gift card to use at one of the following stores:  

• Aldi 
• Iceland 
• Asda  
• Tesco  
• Morrisons 
• Waitrose 
• Sainsbury’s 

What help can I get if I do not want to apply directly? 

You may be referred to the Northumberland Communities Together team by one of the following; Northumberland County Council Services, Statutory Partners or Community Partners, if you are receiving support from them including: 

• Children's social care through your social worker (if you receive support from them)  
• Adults social care through your social worker (if you receive support from them)  
• Your early help worker (if you receive support from them)  
• Your Neighbourhood Housing Officer (if you are a Northumberland County Council tenant)  
• Welfare Rights Service (if you receive support from them)  
• Transitions Team (if you receive support from them)  
• DWP Job Coach or caseworker (if you receive support from them)  
• Your recovery caseworker (if you receive support from Northumberland Recovery Partnership)  
• Your Local Social Prescriber working within your Primary Care Network/GP Surgeries  
• Your local foodbank 

Are there any exceptions to the funding? 

Anyone can apply but there may be exceptions if: 

• Someone has community care needs.  
• Has serious health problems 
• There is a risk to a child's welfare 

In these cases, you will need to contact Onecall who will assess and refer you to the scheme.  

Contact Northumberland Communities Together 

Phone 01670 620015 9am-6pm, 7 days a week 

Email: NCT@northumberland.gov.uk 

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Beware of scams 

The Household Support Fund scheme does not require banking details to provide support and we will never request this information over the telephone. If you receive any calls requesting this information, claiming to be from a local council, please be vigilant and follow the advice below: 

• Report the call to Action Fraud.  
• Contact Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133 for advice if you need it. 
• Alert your bank if you have given out your bank details.  

You can apply for the fund through: Northumberland Communities Together phone: 01670 620 015 Email NCT@northumberland.gov.uk  9am – 6pm (Mon – Friday) Your application will be dealt with by one of our team who may need to contact you for further information to support your application.