HOUSEHOLDS are being urged to apply for up to £500 free cash before a scheme closes for good.
Hard-up families and individuals can get support via the government’s Household Support Fund (HSF).
The scheme has been extended multiple times with the latest round running between April 2025 and March 2026.
Each council in England has been allocated a share of the £742million fund and can distribute it to residents in need.
Eligibility criteria varies based on where you live but usually help is offered to those on a low income.
Struggling households in Worcestershire can still apply for up to £500 to help lessen the cost of their energy bill.
Households with children under 18, or young adults up to 21 in full-time education, can receive up to £500 in energy help or vouchers.
All other households with no children can receive up to £300 worth of energy support.
You also must live in Malvern, Worcester, Wychavon, Bromsgrove, Redditch, or Wyre Forest District and have a gross household income of £24,570 or less a year if you’re single with no children, or £31,000 for all other households (excluding benefits).
Applicants must also have no household savings and meet one of five vulnerability criteria, including being in receipt of DWP benefits, of state pension age, have young children under four-years-old.
You can apply for the support via http://www.actonenergy.org.uk, but households should act sooner rather than later as the scheme is due to close at the end of March.
The Household Support Fund is set to end before it is replaced by a new Crisis and Resilience Fund.
The new scheme helps some of the poorest households so that children do not go hungry outside of term time.
People will be able to apply for the free cash and support whether or not they receive benefits.
Household Support Fund explained
Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements explains what you need to know about the Household Support Fund.
If you’re battling to afford energy and water bills, food or other essential items and services, the Household Support Fund can act as a vital lifeline.
The financial support is a little-known way for struggling families to get extra help with the cost of living.
Every council in England has been given a share of £742million cash by the government to distribute to local low income households.
Each local authority chooses how to pass on the support. Some offer vouchers whereas others give direct cash payments.
In many instances, the value of support is worth hundreds of pounds to individual families.
Just as the support varies between councils, so does the criteria for qualifying.
Many councils offer the help to households on selected benefits or they may base help on the level of household income.
The key is to get in touch with your local authority to see exactly what support is on offer.
