Household Support Fund

The Household Support Fund (HSF) is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Local Authorities have received a reduced allocation for this financial year 2025-2026. 

In Dorset, the Household Support Fund is 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.  To ensure the reduced fund can support as many residents as possible, referrals are now limited to one per household over the financial year (April 2025 to March 2026).

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 show identification and proof of address if you’re requesting financial support. 

There is a range of support available from us and from the Government including: 

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

School holiday vouchers

Dorset’s temporary Free School Meal (FSM) holiday voucher scheme will also continue, funded by the Household Support Fund.

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

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.