STRUGGLING families can get free household appliances like fridges, freezers and ovens to help them with their rising bills.
The help comes as part of the government’s Household Support Fund (HSF) – a huge £742million fund available to councils across England.
The helpful scheme has been extended multiple times as the rising cost of living continues to hit families.
The latest round of funding is running between April 2025 and March 2026 – so there’s still time to apply for help.
Torridge District Council has been allocated just over £270,000 of the £3million which has been split between Devon‘s district councils.
These are East Devon, Exeter City, Mid Devon, North Devon, South Hams, Teignbridge, Torridge and West Devon.
This pot of cash will be dished out to struggling residents, and support includes free white goods – fridge, freezers and ovens – with home delivery for the families that need it most.
The fund can also help households with energy bills.
Households can also get support with essential costs like food and water bills, as well as wider expenses including phone bills and clothes.
In exceptional cases, where existing housing support schemes do not meet this exceptional need.
The Fund cannot be used to provide mortgage support.
The help is usually given to those who are on a low income, are on benefits or are classed as vulnerable.
Families in need of the support are required to fill out a form asking them questions about their situation and what else they may require.
To claim the money or free goods, you must explain why you need help, provide details of any savings in your accounts and state if you have savings or other income available.
Customers must also say if anyone in the household has a disability, and how many children there are in the household.
You must also live in a Torridge district address to be eligible.
Make your claim as soon as possible before the funding runs out.
Applications take between 5-10 working days to process, before someone at Encompass – delivering the HSF on behalf of Torridge council – will get in touch with you.
What if my council isn’t Torridge District Council?
To find out your local council, use the Gov.Uk postcode checker, which will highlight your nearest one.
Most councils offer their own Household Support Fund.
Bradford Council has received funding from the HSF to assist residents struggling to cover costs.
Thousands of people can get help with their fuel meters, the purchase of essential household items and a council tax reduction.
To qualify for the support, residents would need to be in receipt of one of the following benefits.
- Universal Credit
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Pension Credits
- Tax Credits
Enfield Council are offering support to anyone who’s vulnerable, in a crisis or hardship.
Recipients do not need to be receiving benefits to get help, but must live in the area.
The support includes top-ups for pre-paid energy and water meters, assistance with energy bill debts and food vouchers.
Residents have between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026 to apply for a slice of the £5million pot on the council’s website.
Meanwhile, Camden Council is using the HSF to fund supermarket vouchers until the end of March for families in the area.
Recipients need to be receiving Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support to be eligible.
Any child attending a Camden school and receiving free school meals will also receive a voucher.
To access the vouchers visit camden.gov.uk
Other help you can claim
If you are not eligible for the HSF, you might qualify for other forms of help to cover your energy bills or food.
Support may vary depending on your local council.
Millions of households will start receiving letters from today about the £150 discount they can get towards their energy bill.
This is part of the Warm Home Discount scheme.
Six million homes are eligible for the £150 rebate.
Meanwhile, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000.
Customers can apply through the British Gas Energy Trust Website.
You will have to provide details for your energy account and prove you are struggling with your energy bills.
New parents might also be eligible for the free food worth up to £442 a year to cover the cost of healthy food and milk via the Healthy Start scheme.
Household Support Fund explained
Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements explains what you need to know about the Household Support Fund.
If you’re battling to afford energy and water bills, food or other essential items and services, the Household Support Fund can act as a vital lifeline.
The financial support is a little-known way for struggling families to get extra help with the cost of living.
Every council in England has been given a share of £742million cash by the government to distribute to local low income households.
Each local authority chooses how to pass on the support. Some offer vouchers whereas others give direct cash payments.
In many instances, the value of support is worth hundreds of pounds to individual families.
Just as the support varies between councils, so does the criteria for qualifying.
Many councils offer the help to households on selected benefits or they may base help on the level of household income.
The key is to get in touch with your local authority to see exactly what support is on offer.
The last round ran until the end of March 2025, but was extended.
The most current round is running between April 2025 and March 2026.