Household Support Fund

The Household Support Fund (HSF) is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). 

Further funding has been allocated to Dorset for the period April to September 2024. It will be used to support the work of a range of services, charities, and community organisations across the county who are working with those most in need. 

This approach to the allocation of funds will help to make sure residents facing hardship receive the right support at the right time.  

If you’re being supported by a practitioner, like a social worker, or by an advice service, they can make a referral on your behalf if you are facing hardship and need emergency funding.  

If you’re not already being supported, you can make contact with an organisation for help. Citizens Advice, for example, can provide advice on a range of topics including budgeting, bills and tariffs, and refer you for financial support under the Household Support Fund.

You can contact them by phone on 0800 144 8848 or visit one of their offices. 

You will need to be prepared to either show or send identification and proof of address if you’re requesting financial support. 

Find out about the range of support available on our cost of living help webpages including: 

• money, debts, and benefits 
• access to food 
• housing 
• support for children 
• energy, water, phone, and broadband cost 

Find out more information about the Government's cost of living support.

School holiday vouchers

The Household Support Fund will also continue to fund Free School Meal (FSM) holiday vouchers until September 2024. This will cover the May half term and summer holidays. 

Parents do not need to apply. Schools and Early Years settings will issue vouchers for eligible children automatically. If you aren’t sure  check if your children are eligible and find out more.

If your child attends an Early Years setting and is eligible, your setting will contact you and ask for your permission to apply on your behalf. 

Your child’s school or setting may also be able to recommend you for a discretionary holiday voucher if you are in significant financial hardship including a drop in household income or loss of a job.