PLEASE BE ADVISED THIS FUND IS NOW CLOSED.
FUNDS HAVE BEEN EXHAUSTED. SHOULD WE RECEIVE FURTHER FUNDING WE WILL REOPEN THE APPLICATION PROCESS.
The Household Support Fund is there to support those in exceptional cases of genuine emergency where existing support from housing benefit, universal credit (housing element) and discretionary housing payments do not meet the exceptional need. The fund can be used to support households with housing cost support through help with rent arrears.
The Household Support Fund Grant is funded by the Department for Works and Pensions.
The Household Support Fund (HSF) runs from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024 or until the budget is spent.
The person receiving the help must:
We can only consider helping you if you are in receipt of the housing element of universal credit and live in Havant Borough Council area or you receive housing benefit paid by Havant Borough Council.
There must be a genuine need for an award of HSF and a genuine reason why you are unable to raise the funds yourself.
The property that you are renting must be affordable and you must be able to manage any shortfall of housing costs.
There are no further appeals rights for the grant, the council’s decision is final.
Before you apply, please get the information we are going to ask for: your bank statements, proof of your universal credit award, proof of your rent arrears detailing all transactions over the last 2 months, along with your name and address, this can be a screen shot of your rent account.
For help with utility bills such as gas, electric and water visit Citizens Advice or residents can call the advice helpline 0808 278 7809 between 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Email address advice@citizensadvicehavant.org
Hampshire County Council’s connect4communities programme can also signpost you to community pantries in the area. Community pantries work on the principle of giving those in need the opportunity to have a ‘helping hand’ by getting food at a lower price on a weekly basis.
Access to the community pantry is by way of membership and, for a small weekly contribution, members receive food to a significantly higher value.