The Household Support Fund is money given to councils by the government to help people in need of financial support. The grant is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions. You can visit the government's Cost of Living Hub .
The government has confirmed that Sandwell has been allocated more than £6million for the period up to March 2026.
This funding will help us to support people in Sandwell most affected during these difficult times. This includes:
- £3million on providing vouchers for pupils who get benefits-related Free School Meals – worth £130 per child, per year. Find out more about Free School Meals, eligibility and holiday vouchers.
- £1.2million on helping council and private rented tenants with rent arrears and other housing costs.
- £300,000 on Local Welfare Provision - helping people in crisis with food, travel costs, fuel, white goods and furniture – with changes to make more low-income working households eligible to apply for help, including residents who need help with disability equipment including wheelchairs.
- £220,000 to support local food banks and food pantries.
- £400,000 on supporting carers and young people leaving care.
- £112,000 on providing budgeting and benefit advice through the council’s Welfare Rights team.
- £462,000 on helping households with their Council Tax bills.
- £30,000 on continuing to provide Welcoming Spaces.
- Any remaining funding will be used to tackle future Cost of Living challenges as the council identifies them.
There’s no need to apply for the majority of the Household Support Funding mentioned above – payments will be made automatically to eligible households.
If you are struggling to pay your Council Tax bill, you can find out more about the assistance available and how to get in touch .
If you are experiencing exceptional financial hardship, applications for crisis payments can be made to the Local Welfare Provision Scheme .
The funding is limited by the Department for Work and Pensions. Once the fund has been exhausted, no further awards can be made.
