Contents

  1. Overview
  2. Household Support Fund Vouchers
  3. Previous Household Support Fund schemes

We have received reports from another local authority of a scam SMS text message received by a resident. Prior to this there have also been reports of scam calls advertising HSF loans. If you receive a text message or call of this nature, do not click on links or give out any personal information and if possible, please notify us on 020 8274 4901.

About the fund

The UK Government provides funding through the Household Support Fund to help support Merton residents during the cost of living crisis.

There have been six Household Support Funding schemes. Each scheme has had an objective to support all low-income households with additional focus on specific target groups to ensure the widest range of help has been available to residents at different times.

For more information on the government's support for the cost of living visit their Cost of Living Hub.

 

Funded by UK Government

Household Support Fund scheme 6

1 October 2024 to 31 March 2025

Funds received = £1,186,607.26

Focus of the fund – none identified by the Government. Targeted to low-income households and those presenting as in need.

How the fund will be distributed (provisional allocations):

  • £23,500 – to provide fuel vouchers to those in fuel hardship. This is being delivered in Partnership with Thinking Works.
  • £24,560 – support for care leavers, foster carers and special guardians. Paid directly to bank accounts. Eligible residents do not need to apply for this payment.
  • £9,440 – support for Children with a Disability. Paid directly to bank accounts. Eligible residents do not need to apply for this payment.
  • £9,440 – support for Children with a Disability. Paid directly to bank accounts. Eligible residents do not need to apply for this payment.
  • £65,250 – support for kinship carers.
  • £110,000 – to provide for application-based referrals from residents for help with financial hardship. This will be delivered in partnership with Wimbledon Guild
  • £266,312 – to provide £30 to households who are in receipt of Council Tax Support (CTS) and Housing Benefit (HB) on 1 February 2024.  Each household will receive £30 each paid by Post Office Payout vouchers. Eligible residents do not need to apply for this payment.
  • £643,500 – vouchers issued to families in receipt of free school meals towards the cost of food during school holidays. This will be paid by vouchers directly