Wiltshire Council has welcomed the UK Government's decision to extend the Household Support Fund (HSF) for another year, ensuring vital assistance continues for residents most in need. The seventh round of the fund, known as HSF7, will run from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.
The Household Support Fund is designed to provide crisis support to households struggling with essential living costs, such as food and utility bills. It also offers preventative support, including budgeting and cookery classes, and the purchase of energy-efficient appliances like fridges and cookers.
Schemes vary from year to year, depending on evidence of need, meaning that people who received support from a previous round, may not be eligible for support during this round. Residents can find full details of the HSF7 schemes and eligibility criteria by visiting: https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/article/13714/HSF7-overview-eligibility-and-how-funds-can-be-used.
For cost-of-living advice and support, or to speak to someone about eligibility for HSF support, residents can contact the Wellbeing Hub by emailing wellbeinghub@wiltshire.gov.uk or calling 0300 003 4576 (Monday to Thursday, 9am-5pm; Friday, 9am-4pm, excluding Bank Holidays).
Residents should be prepared to provide evidence of need, this is different from being means tested for benefits.
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Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs