Household Support Fund
What you need to know
The Household Support Fund is currently paused whilst we process applications.
The Household Support Fund helps ease financial pressure for all borough residents struggling with the cost of living. It offers help with food, energy bills and other essential household items. The Department for Work and Pensions fund the scheme.
The scheme will run until March 2025 or earlier if all funds have been allocated.
Household Support Fund Update March 2025
We expect to receive a lot of applications. Timescales for processing applications will vary.
When applying, you must attach a bank statement with your full name, bank account number, sort code and address. If you do not, your application will be put on hold and you may not receive an award.
Submission of your application does not mean your application is approved. We'll notify you by email if your application has been successful.
Information about the scheme:
- £250 is the most that can be awarded
- you can only submit one application per household
- applications can be made on behalf of someone else
- all applications will be treated fairly and consistently
It's not an emergency fund. We cannot process applications urgently.
If you need urgent support visit our cost of living pages to find out about other help available.
Find out more about the national scheme (opens new window)
Who can apply?
Applicants must:
- be over the age of 16
- live in the borough of Guildford
- provide further evidence (if requested)
Important information
If your application has been declined because:
- it's been submitted with incorrect information
- it's missing evidence
You must complete the form again.
All applications are reviewed in the date order they are received. Your new application will be reviewed using the new date. This ensures the process is fair. This may mean that all available funds are allocated before we can respond to your resubmission. Read the application form carefully to ensure you have included all necessary information.
What will not be awarded?
- mortgage payment support
If you are having difficulty with your mortgage payments, contact your lender as soon as possible. Lenders will have set procedures to help.
How will your information be used?
We will only collect data relevant to your application.
Read our data protection policy for more information
How do I apply?
The Household Support Fund is currently paused whilst we process applications.
We've now allocated all available funding for:
- households with children
- households with a disabled person
- households with pensioners
- other households
Call 01483 458055 if you need help completing the form.
When applying, you must attach a bank statement with your full name, bank account number, sort code and address. If you do not, your application will be put on hold and you may not receive an award.
Applications are based upon a first-come, first-served basis - you are not guaranteed an award upon application.
What happens next?
We'll make a decision based on the information provided in the application form and any other information available to us.
Once we have made a decision we will give you a written notice advising:
- whether an award has been made
- the reason for the decision
- the intended use of the award
How will payments be made?
If successful, we will make a payment directly to your bank account.
Funding will be provided as quickly as possible to meet the agreed needs of the household.
What if I am not awarded any money?
The scheme is discretionary and there are no appeal rights.
If unsuccessful, you can ask us to look at your case again within five days of our decision.