Household Support Fund payments

If you are facing hardship, you can get help with your essential household costs through the Household Support Fund (HSF). The Department of Work and Pensions is providing the funding, and we have arranged to pay this to households on behalf of Essex County Council.

You are eligible to receive a one-off payment of £80 from the Household Support Fund, if:

• you are of state pension age, and
• were receiving Housing Benefit or Council Tax support on 1 April 2022

You can use the money towards food and to support your overall household budget, to help you cope with the rising living costs.

You do not have to apply for the payment. If you are eligible, you will receive a voucher through the post, that you can cash at any Post Office branch. We are issuing vouchers from 31 August 2022 and you must cash them by 30 September 2022. You will not be able to cash your voucher after this date.

This payment is separate from any £150 you may have had from us in relation to the government’s energy rebate for Council Tax householders.