Central fund and how to apply
Central Fund (Held by GCC) for self referral
Important Information
If you have already received two awards or more from the Gloucestershire Household Support Fund, your application will automatically be referred to the Citizens Advice for extra support with money and benefits advice.
You will be contacted by a CAB caseworker to discuss your application. If you choose to opt out of this service, and close your application email: localsupportgrants@gloucestershire.gov.uk - within 5 working days to let us know.
The purpose of the Household Support Fund is to support households in the most need with food, energy and water bills and other essential items.
Individuals, working age adults, families (with or without children) and individuals of pensionable age can self-refer. Any referral agency in the voluntary or statutory sector can refer a client in need of financial support, for example, a support worker.
The expectation is that the fund is intended to cover a wide range of low-income households in need, including families with children of all ages, pensioners, unpaid carers, care leavers and disabled people, larger families, single-person households, and those struggling with one-off financial shocks or unforeseen events.
Eligibility includes:
- a wide range of low-income households and is not limited to those in receipt of benefits
- disabled people who may be facing acute challenges to meet additional needs in order to manage their conditions, remain independent and avoid becoming socially isolated
- Care leavers who face particular barriers as they leave the care system and begin to live independently
- people with caring responsibilities who may be facing acute challenges incurred through their fulfilling these responsibilities for vulnerable citizens
- individuals with no recourse to public funds - regardless of immigration status, if there is a genuine care need that does not arise solely from destitution
This list is not exhaustive and there may additionally be households that are subject to requiring support.
The Household Support Fund decision makers will provide management oversight and access to financial assistance for young people, working age adults, Individuals of pensionable age and families (with or without children).
The decision makers will provide a consistent and effective response to escalating need and ensure that effective interventions are available to meet the needs of applicants. The panel will assess needs against the eligibility criteria and cross-reference to other funding streams that may be appropriate for children and families.
The objective of the Fund is to provide support to vulnerable households in most need of support, to help with significantly rising living costs. For this tranche of funding, DWP have stated that there is no ringfence of funding for any particular cohort of people. There is, however, an expectation of authorities to particularly consider those groups who may not have benefitted from any of the recent cost of living support
Before applying please note:
- There is no guarantee of support.
- This is not an emergency scheme and support can not be provided on the same day as applying.
- If you were successful in receiving support through the previous Gloucestershire Household Support Fund (and other grants administered by the council), you can apply again. However, we will consider previous applications and there is no guarantee of any further support
You can apply by clicking on the Apply for support button below.
When applying you must provide evidence to show how you are experiencing financial hardship. Please refer to our advice below on what supporting evidence you can supply for your application.
The decision makers will want to know more about you and how your financial struggles are having an impact on your life. ‘Please tell us more about why you need this’ section.
Once you have completed your application, please send all evidence to localsupportgrants@gloucestershire.gov.uk.
You can apply by clicking on the Apply for support button below.
When applying you must provide evidence to show how you are experiencing financial hardship. Please refer to our advice below on what supporting evidence you can supply for your application.
The decision makers will want to know more about you and how your financial struggles are having an impact on your life. ‘Please tell us more about why you need this’ section.
Once you have completed your application, please send all evidence to localsupportgrants@gloucestershire.gov.uk.
Below are some examples of evidence you can supply. Please bear in mind this is not an exhaustive list, so other forms evidence may also be accepted. The team may also ask for evidence not listed below.
Loss of income
Examples of evidence you could provide:
- Old and recent payslip
- Email / letter from employer confirming loss of hours or redundancy
- P45 letter
Increase in living costs
Examples of evidence you could provide:
- Old and recent bill evidencing an increase in living costs (for example, utilities, rent, etc.)
- Picture of gas and electricity meters
- Most recent universal credit statement (showing your full income/name and address)
Below are some examples of evidence you can supply. Please bear in mind this is not an exhaustive list, so other forms evidence may also be accepted. The team may also ask for evidence not listed below.
Loss of income
Examples of evidence you could provide:
- Old and recent payslip
- Email / letter from employer confirming loss of hours or redundancy
- P45 letter
Increase in living costs
Examples of evidence you could provide:
- Old and recent bill evidencing an increase in living costs (for example, utilities, rent, etc.)
- Picture of gas and electricity meters
- Most recent universal credit statement (showing your full income/name and address)
The process is a 5-stage process to ensure that all applicants are assessed fairly and to ensure that we have the right evidence to support your application.
Stage 1 - Application
Before applying please note:
- There is no guarantee of support.
- This is not an emergency scheme and support can not be provided on the same day as applying.
- If you were successful in receiving support through the previous Gloucestershire Household Support Fund (and other grants administered by the council), you can apply again. However, we will consider previous applications and there is no guarantee of any further support
The applicant must make a formal claim for Household Support before the Council can consider making an award.
The claim must be made through the following methods:
- Online form - https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/gloucestershire-welfare-support-scheme/household-support-fund-find-out-more-and-apply/ which also informs you of the types of evidence you will be required to send.
- Online form as above via a supporting professional
- In exceptional circumstances and for vulnerable residents, applications can be done via phone to a member of the Household Support Team. Please email the team to arrange this call by emailing localsupportgrants@gloucestershire.gov.uk
Please note, this is not an emergency fund and applicants will be dealt with in order of application. If you do require emergency support, please check out our support hub pages for further support options which can be found on our website
Stage 2 – Front Door
Once we have received an application, the team will start collating any evidence you have submitted and will respond to any queries you have at this stage.
Stage 3 – Assessment
At the assessment stage, the team will work with you to clarify any gaps in the application as well as gather any additional information and evidence from you to support your application.
Stage 4 - Decisions
At this stage, we will then make a decision on the application, which can only be based on any information received.
Possible outcomes of a Household Support application are that that the:
- Household Support is refused.
- Household Support is awarded in full.
- Household Support is awarded in part i.e., less support paid than applied for or paid over a shorter period.
- Or Further information is required.
The Household Support will be awarded on the basis of the known facts and evidence supplied.
When deciding on your application we will consider:
- Who lives in your household & what they can contribute i.e., Grown up children?
- Any relevant disabilities & reasonable associated expenses (further evidence may be required to verify expenses).
- Your Savings/Capital
- Your employment status – Have you recently been made redundant or unemployed & what pay you are eligible to. Self Employed. On Statutory Sick Pay
- If your landlord has been informed & whether a reduction or arrangement can be made
- Whether you have contacted you Mortgage provider and the outcome
- If you have spoken with utility providers & what agreements are in place
- Prepayment utilities
- Have you claimed all benefits/income that you may be entitled to:
- Free School Meals
- Council Tax Support
- Universal Credit
- Housing Benefit (if Eligible)
- Disability Benefits
- Child Maintenance
- If you are in receipt of benefit have all changes been notified & you now get your maximum eligible award.
- Would a Discretionary Housing Payment or Individual Assistance payment help you instead?
- Have you checked costs or received a quote for the repair of white goods against the cost of a replacement?
Stage 5 - Outcome of decision
Decisions will be in writing and will include details (if awarded) including:
- Period of the Household Support award.
- Weekly or total amount of Household Support award and how the award will be paid.
- The right of the claimant to ask for a review of the award and the time and manner of doing so.
- The right of the LA to amend suspend or cancel an award when deemed necessary or appropriate.
- The claimant’s duty to report any change of circumstances.
The Council will aim to make decisions within 40 working days where all applications and supporting documents are supplied. Where it is apparent that there are extenuating circumstances the payment time may be reduced.
Whenever possible, decisions on applications for help with the costs of food, goods for infants/children, gas, electricity, or emergency travel will be made before the end of the next working day.
The Household Support Fund is not an emergency service, but we will endeavor to make payments within 20 working days upon of receipt of a correctly completed application. Please do not call and chase payments within this time period as this will not make the process any quicker, you will be advised by email or telephone when a payment has been made.
Do note, during busy periods and in high demand, we may not be able to meet specific timescales and we will keep you updated where possible if this is the case.
The process is a 5-stage process to ensure that all applicants are assessed fairly and to ensure that we have the right evidence to support your application.
Stage 1 - Application
Before applying please note:
- There is no guarantee of support.
- This is not an emergency scheme and support can not be provided on the same day as applying.
- If you were successful in receiving support through the previous Gloucestershire Household Support Fund (and other grants administered by the council), you can apply again. However, we will consider previous applications and there is no guarantee of any further support
The applicant must make a formal claim for Household Support before the Council can consider making an award.
The claim must be made through the following methods:
- Online form - https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/gloucestershire-welfare-support-scheme/household-support-fund-find-out-more-and-apply/ which also informs you of the types of evidence you will be required to send.
- Online form as above via a supporting professional
- In exceptional circumstances and for vulnerable residents, applications can be done via phone to a member of the Household Support Team. Please email the team to arrange this call by emailing localsupportgrants@gloucestershire.gov.uk
Please note, this is not an emergency fund and applicants will be dealt with in order of application. If you do require emergency support, please check out our support hub pages for further support options which can be found on our website
Stage 2 – Front Door
Once we have received an application, the team will start collating any evidence you have submitted and will respond to any queries you have at this stage.
Stage 3 – Assessment
At the assessment stage, the team will work with you to clarify any gaps in the application as well as gather any additional information and evidence from you to support your application.
Stage 4 - Decisions
At this stage, we will then make a decision on the application, which can only be based on any information received.
Possible outcomes of a Household Support application are that that the:
- Household Support is refused.
- Household Support is awarded in full.
- Household Support is awarded in part i.e., less support paid than applied for or paid over a shorter period.
- Or Further information is required.
The Household Support will be awarded on the basis of the known facts and evidence supplied.
When deciding on your application we will consider:
- Who lives in your household & what they can contribute i.e., Grown up children?
- Any relevant disabilities & reasonable associated expenses (further evidence may be required to verify expenses).
- Your Savings/Capital
- Your employment status – Have you recently been made redundant or unemployed & what pay you are eligible to. Self Employed. On Statutory Sick Pay
- If your landlord has been informed & whether a reduction or arrangement can be made
- Whether you have contacted you Mortgage provider and the outcome
- If you have spoken with utility providers & what agreements are in place
- Prepayment utilities
- Have you claimed all benefits/income that you may be entitled to:
- Free School Meals
- Council Tax Support
- Universal Credit
- Housing Benefit (if Eligible)
- Disability Benefits
- Child Maintenance
- If you are in receipt of benefit have all changes been notified & you now get your maximum eligible award.
- Would a Discretionary Housing Payment or Individual Assistance payment help you instead?
- Have you checked costs or received a quote for the repair of white goods against the cost of a replacement?
Stage 5 - Outcome of decision
Decisions will be in writing and will include details (if awarded) including:
- Period of the Household Support award.
- Weekly or total amount of Household Support award and how the award will be paid.
- The right of the claimant to ask for a review of the award and the time and manner of doing so.
- The right of the LA to amend suspend or cancel an award when deemed necessary or appropriate.
- The claimant’s duty to report any change of circumstances.
The Council will aim to make decisions within 40 working days where all applications and supporting documents are supplied. Where it is apparent that there are extenuating circumstances the payment time may be reduced.
Whenever possible, decisions on applications for help with the costs of food, goods for infants/children, gas, electricity, or emergency travel will be made before the end of the next working day.
The Household Support Fund is not an emergency service, but we will endeavor to make payments within 20 working days upon of receipt of a correctly completed application. Please do not call and chase payments within this time period as this will not make the process any quicker, you will be advised by email or telephone when a payment has been made.
Do note, during busy periods and in high demand, we may not be able to meet specific timescales and we will keep you updated where possible if this is the case.
Before applying, please note:
- There is no guarantee of support.
- This is not an emergency scheme and support can not be provided on the same day as applying.
- If you were successful in receiving support through the previous Gloucestershire Household Support Fund (and other grants administered by the council), you can apply again. However, we will consider previous applications and there is no guarantee of any further support.
Before applying, please note:
- There is no guarantee of support.
- This is not an emergency scheme and support can not be provided on the same day as applying.
- If you were successful in receiving support through the previous Gloucestershire Household Support Fund (and other grants administered by the council), you can apply again. However, we will consider previous applications and there is no guarantee of any further support.
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