Household Support Fund

The Household Support Fund (HSF) provides extra help for Waltham Forest residents struggling with the rising cost of living, including energy bills, food, and other essentials.

Waltham Forest Council has received £4.1 million from the Department for Work and Pensions to offer this vital support between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026.

This funding is being used to meet immediate needs through a mix of application-based schemes and direct support, delivered in partnership with local community and voluntary groups.

The Household Support Fund is used to provide support across several key areas:

Local Welfare Assistance Scheme: application-based support

If you’re struggling to afford food, to pay utility bills, or to meet other essential living costs, you may be eligible for direct financial support through the Local Welfare Assistance (LWA) scheme.

This application-based scheme has been expanded thanks to HSF funding to help households who cannot manage these costs on their own.

Apply now or find out more about eligibility on our Local Welfare Assistance page.

Help with food costs

Free school meal grocery vouchers

Families with children eligible for benefits-related free school meals will receive supermarket vouchers during school holidays.

Learn more and check if your child is eligible on the Free School Meals page.

Breakfast for Learning scheme

Primary schools taking part in this scheme continue to receive funding to provide healthy breakfasts to vulnerable pupils (whether sit-down meals or grab-and-go items), ensuring children start their day focused and ready to learn.

Food Hubs and Recipe Clubs

Thanks to HSF funding, we continue to support local Food Hubs, which are community centres that collect surplus food and distribute it to 15 local food banks across the borough.

If you’re accessing support through a Food Hub, you may be invited to join one of our Recipe Clubs. These welcoming sessions provide free ingredients, simple recipe ideas, and group cooking activities to help you make the most of your food and connect with others.

Visit the Cost of Living food support to find your nearest Food Hub.

Help with energy and water bills

The enhanced Local Welfare Assistance (LWA) scheme offers help with urgent household bills, including gas, electricity, and water. If you're experiencing financial hardship, you may be able to apply for support through LWA.

Discretionary support for older people and disabled residents

In addition to LWA, discretionary funding is available to help older people and disabled residents with utility bills.

Our teams at Community Drop-ins can assist you with applications, offer guidance on reducing your bills, and connect you to trusted local advice services.

Find out more about our Community Drop-ins at Waltham Forest Community Hubs.

Support for families, young people, and vulnerable residents

Through the HSF, we are providing a range of targeted support to individuals and families, working with local services for children, adults, and housing-related needs. This support is available for the duration of the funding and helps ease financial pressures and improve wellbeing.

Families with children

Families facing financial difficulties are offered help with food, energy, and housing essentials. This support aims to reduce stress, prevent homelessness, and help families stay safe and together.

Care leavers (Ages 16 to 24)

Young people leaving care receive tailored support, including food and utility vouchers, budgeting advice, and help accessing work, education, or welfare services.

Pensioners and vulnerable adults

Older residents and vulnerable adults can access help through a discretionary fund to cover essential living costs.

Residents in temporary accommodation

The Temporary Accommodation Move-On scheme provides essential household items to people moving into or out of temporary housing, helping them settle more sustainably into their new homes.

Community and voluntary support

HSF funding supports a network of local community partners who provide preventative and practical assistance, including:

Advice services

Free advice on benefits, debt, budgeting, housing, and energy bills is available for all residents through Citizens Advice Waltham Forest and local community partners.

For more information visit Waltham Forest Citizens Advice.

Cooking and energy support

Through HSF funding, we’re working with local partners to offer targeted support that helps residents cook affordably and reduce household energy use. This support is available to residents identified through local services or partner organisations.

Offers include:

• Air fryer sessions: For older people and disabled residents, these workshops provide energy-efficient cooking tips and include a free air fryer to use at home.
• Recipe clubs: Referred through Food Hubs, these friendly sessions offer shared meals, simple recipe ideas, and free ingredients to help families cook on a budget.
• Energy efficiency advice: Delivered by HEET, this support includes home visits, practical advice, and small energy-saving measures such as LED bulbs and draught-proofing.

Support available at local libraries

Residents experiencing financial hardship can also find support through local libraries, which offer:

• Café vouchers for hot meals and drinks at participating library cafés
• Free nappies and hygiene products for families in need

Find your local library at Waltham Forest local libraries

Need help? You’re not alone

If you’re struggling with food costs, energy bills, or other essentials, there is support available.

• Visit our Cost of Living Support page for details on what’s available
• For wider national support, visit the Government's Cost of Living Support page.

Together, we can help ensure every resident in Waltham Forest gets the support they need during these challenging times.