Household support fund
Help with cost of living
The Council is committed to supporting residents during the cost-of-living crisis and will continue with work to tackle this issue beyond the life of the Household Support Fund.
With rises in energy, petrol and food prices, thousand of households across our borough have been feeling the squeeze.
The Household Support Fund is a short-term emergency fund, and benefits are a more sustainable solution to poverty. Please use the benefits calculator to ensure you are getting all the benefits you are rightly entitled to before applying for a Household Fund Payment.
If you need help to use the benefits calculator or make a claim for benefits, please contact the Welfare Benefits Service at welfare.benefits@redbridge.gov.uk or on 020 8708 4180.
Debt is a significant issue for many and in the current economic climate many are experiencing financial difficulties with problem debt. The council have partnered with Money Helper who provide free and impartial money advice. You can contact them at Money Adviser Network for personalised, specialist debt advice.
Work is the longer-term solution to poverty, and it is important to improve your chances of getting into a job. The Council provides support with preparing for work and finding employment through Work Redbridge.
You can use the Turn 2 Us grants database to see what support you may be able to access.
There are two great places to save money in the borough:
- Ilford Community Grocery Store. Join this grocery store for £5 a year and you can buy 12 items for just £5. It is located at 25-29 Clements Road, Ilford
- the TCL Reuse Centre sells refurbished furniture and white goods at very affordable prices
You can find out more information on cost-of-living support by visiting GOV.UK website.
The Household Support Fund is funded by the UK Government and is designed to help households with the cost-of-living crisis. The current funding will end on 30 September 2024.
Redbridge Council is distributing the Household Fund through:
- direct applications via our online form or at outreach events
- applications from professionals
- applications from third party organisations
- free school meals outside of term time
- supporting third party organisations
- proactive support to identified cohorts
The fund is designed as a short-term emergency payment for low income, vulnerable households to assist with essentials, including food, energy and water, essentials linked to energy and water and wider essentials.
There are different ways of accessing the Household Support Fund:
- Direct via our online application form
- Referral by professional currently working with you or your family, such as a social worker, educational welfare officer, family support worker or through your child's school
- Citizens Advice Redbridge based at the Central Library can make referrals
What is the eligibility criteria for the Redbridge Household Support Fund?
The Household Support Fund is discretionary and assessed on a case-by-case basis. You will need to meet at lease the following eligibility criteria to be considered for a payment:
- You, or any member of your household must not have received a Household Support fund award in the last two years.
- You must be over 18
- You must live in Redbridge, or
- Reside in out of borough, temporary accommodation provided by Redbridge Council
- You must not have household savings over £1000
- You must demonstrate that you are in 'financial crisis'. This can be defined as 'an inability to meet essential payments out of disposable income or at all'. Examples include non-payment of essential bills or having to borrow further to repay existing debts.
- Applicants who are asylum seekers or have no recourse to public funds will, with proper ID, be considered on a case-by-case basis
This is a discretionary award, and the Council reserves the right to amend these criteria at any time.
How can I apply for the Household Support Fund?
You can make a claim for household support if you meet the above criteria.
Make a claim for Household Support Fund
