Applications have now closed

Following a high volume of applications, the DWP Household Support Fund awarded to Westmorland and Furness Council has now been fully allocated.

Applications will remain closed while we process current applications.

Should you find yourself in crisis please contact our Ways to Welfare Service on 0300 373 3300 where advice will be provided.

Cost of living support information on GOV.UK

The Household Support Fund (DWP) grant is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions, UK Government and administered by Westmorland and Furness Council.

The Council has a limited amount of money available through the Household Support Fund to help people who are in financial crisis due to cost of living pressures. The funding is available to 30th September 2024 or when the funding has been allocated, whichever occurs first.

How funds will be allocated

Demand for support is high, but you should apply if you are facing significant hardship.

We will need to ask for some information about your household and your financial situation. 

Payments will be made to help households in immediate crisis - for example, those unable to buy food, pay energy bills or buy other essentials. Payments are to help you get what you need while you look for support (such as advice on benefits and debt) from other organisations. We will put you in contact with those services if you need them.

If you are on a low income or have no access to other financial support and are struggling to pay your bills, you should make an application.

We welcome one application per household. You will be asked questions about your finances, including your income and savings, and you may need to provide proof to support your answers.

Please note applications have now closed as the funding has been fully allocated.

How we use the funding

We are using this funding in a number of ways to provide support including:

  • free school meals/school clothing grants
  • supporting care leavers and foster carers
  • supporting the holiday activity and food programme
  • providing funding via our Locality Boards