Household Support Fund

How do I qualify for help?

You must be aged 18 or over, live within the council's area, be liable for the rent, mortgage or council tax at your address, have made an application through the link below and be finding it difficult to pay for energy, water or food costs.

You must also be in one of the following groups:

Group A

• Are in receipt of Housing Benefit*¹ or Council Tax Reduction*². And
• Not eligible to receive the 2025/26 Winter Fuel Allowance.

Group B

• Not eligible for the 2025/26 Winter Fuel Payment. And,
• Are not in receipt of Housing Benefit*¹ or Council Tax Reduction*². But, 
• Are in receipt of Universal Credit award, that includes a payment for the Housing Element. And,
• Does not contain a tapered deduction for earned income.

And have less than £6,000 in capital.

Check whether you quality for support by downloading the Eligibility Criteria below.:

Household Support Fund Local Eligibility Framework 01-04-25 to 31-03-26 EBC (PDF, 127 KB)

Household Support Fund Local Eligibility Framework 01-04-25 to 31-03-26 LDC (PDF, 129 KB)

What costs can I get help with?

You can get help with the cost of food and utility bills for any form of fuel that is used for the purpose of domestic heating, cooking or lighting, including oil or portable gas cylinders.

• If you are at risk of losing your home please see our homelessness advice and services 

How will I receive the financial help?

If you qualify, help with meeting the cost of energy and water bills will be paid direct into your bank account.

What information should I have to hand before I apply?

Having the following to hand will help speed up the application process and how quickly we can check that you qualify for help.

• Your national insurance number.
• Your bank account number and sort code.
• If you are in Group B you will need to supply a breakdown of your latest Universal Credit award, from your journal.

How is this scheme being funded?

All of these programmes are Funded by the UK Government, who have allocated £742M to the Household Support Fund for County Councils and Unitary Authorities. The Council has been allocated funds to administer on East Sussex County Council's behalf.

This fund is available up to 31 March 2026, but may close sooner depending on how many applications for help are received.

How do I apply?

You will be able to apply online using the Grant Approval website.

Apply online

The best way to apply is online as you will receive notification of the decision and can track the application. East Sussex Libraries have computers available to access internet services. Information on library internet and computer services can be found at

East Sussex County Council - Computers and Internet Libraries

Applications can also be made on your behalf by a member of your family or friend network with access to the internet. Your details will need to be submitted for the application.

Are any other types of help on offer?

Yes - further, advice and help are available across the County as follows:

• Warm homes check service - if you're worried about keeping warm at home and you are on a low income, contact the team to get free advice and see if you qualify for help with any upgrades to things like windows, boilers, or insulation. East Sussex County Council - Keep warm and well, text WARMHOME to 88440 or phone 0800 464 7307. 
• Advice and support. Contact Citizens Advice, who can help direct you a range of advice and help services.  They can also put you in touch with a range of voluntary groups and foodbanks across East Sussex that have also been given extra funding to help East Sussex residents manage extra the extra costs we are all facing this winter. 
• Citizens Advice, Eastbourne - Call 0800 144 8848 or find advice online at Citizens Advice Eastbourne - Citizens Advice in Eastbourne
• BHT Sussex - offer a range of services, details can be found on their website - BHT Sussex
• Gov.uk has advice on help you can apply for - Gov.uk/cost-of-living