Household Support Fund round 6
As part of its response to the rising cost of living, the Government has announced that the sixth phase of Household Support Fund should be used to support households most in need. In particular those that were not eligible for other Government support, such as the Cost-of-Living Payments.
For more information on the other cost of living support available, please see the Government's Cost of Living Hub[external link]
Support to families with children eligible for free school meals:
- All Free School Meal payments will be managed by individual schools.
- A £15 weekly payment will be made for each eligible child for October Half Term, the Christmas Holidays and February Half Term.
In Darlington the Household Support Fund is being delivered by a range of voluntary sector partners.
Foodbank supplies
Darlington based foodbanks will be able to access additional food supplies without relying solely on donations to help them meet demand.
Provision for older residents
Age UK [external link] who will provide advice/support on home energy proofing.
Support for targeted vulnerable groups through the voluntary and community sector
Residents eligible for this support will be contacted directly by letter.
Online grant application
Citizens Advice Bureau Darlington, Redcar and Cleveland (CA) are supporting people who have been affected by the cost of living crisis and may be in significant debt.
To apply for the payment you must be:
- a Darlington borough resident
- liable to pay housing costs such as rent or a mortgage or be registered as homeless with Darlington Borough Council
- part of a household that has not already received a Household Support Fund award in this round
- part of a low-income household
- in financial hardship and acutely affected by the cost of living crisis or are in significant debt of £5,000 or more
- without any savings.
If you think you are eligible you have until 31 March 2025 to apply but it is best to apply as soon as possible. You should apply online.[external link]
If you can’t get online at home, CA run IT drop in sessions every Tuesday, 1.30pm-4pm, and Thursday, 10.30am-1pm, at their office on Church Row. There is also free computer access at the town’s libraries.
CA will email you to let you know if your application has been successful. You can find out more about the scheme online at Household Support Fund – Darlington | Citizens Advice Darlington, Redcar and Cleveland[external link]
Additional support
Money advice information on the council’s website.
If you feel you are in need of additional support please contact Darlington Connect.
Darlington connect is based in the town centre at 6 Northgate (next to Costa Coffee). Call in Monday to Friday 9am to 3:30pm
You can get support such as:
- Access into health and wellbeing services
- Referrals into a range of specialist support agencies
- Cost of living advice
- Community engagement