Household Support Fund

The Household Support Fund is here to provide essential help to vulnerable households in Waltham Forest who are struggling with rising energy bills and the increasing cost of living.

The London Borough of Waltham Forest has been allocated £2.3 million from the Department for Work and Pensions to offer this vital support. The funding is available from 1 October 2024 and must be used by 31 March 2025.

This funding is designed to support residents with urgent needs such as food, utility bills, housing, and advice services. The assistance is targeted at key groups in the community and offers a range of support to meet specific needs.  Below are the key areas of assistance:

Free School Meal Vouchers

Families with children eligible for benefits-related free school meals will receive supermarket vouchers provided by Edenred. These vouchers will be distributed through schools to cover the two-week Christmas holiday (December 2024) and the February 2025 half-term holiday. For eligibility details and how to apply, visit the Free School Meals page.

Breakfast for Learning Scheme

Primary schools across Waltham Forest will receive additional funding to support children most affected by the cost-of-living crisis. This funding will enhance existing breakfast programs or introduce new options such as hot or cold breakfast items and 'grab-and-go' snacks, ensuring children have access to nutritious food during the school morning.

Support for Families with Children

Families with children will be supported in creating safe and stable home environments through assistance with food, utility bills, and other essentials. The program also addresses safeguarding risks and helps prevent homelessness. By offering early interventions, we aim to promote well-being, reduce family stress, and ensure families can access the resources they need to thrive and stay together during difficult times.

Care Leavers

Young people aged 16 to 24 transitioning out of care will receive tailored support to help them build independent lives. This includes vouchers for food, energy, and water expenses, as well as guidance on managing finances and accessing education or training opportunities. The program also helps with navigating welfare services and support networks. For more details, visit the Leaving Care Offer page.

Support for Pensioners and Vulnerable Adults

Pensioners and vulnerable adults who are most affected by financial hardship this winter will be eligible to apply for vouchers for essential costs such as food, energy, and water. These vouchers will be distributed through the Post Office. Additionally, application assistance is available at Community Hub Drop-Ins held across the borough. To find your nearest drop-in session, visit the Community Drop-In page.

Support Through Voluntary and Community Groups

Pension-age residents who may not qualify for Pension Credit or prefer to access support outside the Council can receive additional energy vouchers through trusted voluntary and community groups. These groups also offer guidance on reducing energy costs, accessing funding for energy-saving measures, and maximizing household income. For more information and resources, visit Age UK Waltham Forest.

Support for Food Hubs

Additional funding is being provided to expand the work of Food Hubs, which collect surplus food and distribute it to 15 food banks across Waltham Forest. 

Advice and Guidance Services

Face-to-face advice and guidance services are available at locations across the borough to help residents access Household Support Fund schemes, learn about Local Welfare Assistance (LWA), and find other resources to address financial challenges. For additional support, residents can also visit Citizens Advice.  Residents can also apply for LWA directly via the council's Local Welfare Assistance page. 

If you or your family need support, we’re here to help. Visit our cost of living support pages for more details, or attend a Community Hub Drop-In at your nearest Family Hub. For additional information about government support for the cost of living, visit the Government's cost of living support page.

Together, we can help ensure every resident has access to the resources they need during these challenging times.