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Households On PIP Urged To Apply For £200 Household Support Fund
Written by
Georgina, Founder of Purpl
Published on
January 2, 2026
Households across England, including people receiving PIP and other disability benefits, are being urged to apply for up to £200 through the Household Support Fund before it closes in late January 2026. The support is provided by local councils and can help with food, energy bills, and other essential household costs, but it is not paid automatically.
At a Glance
- Up to £200 per household through the Household Support Fund
- Open to many people on PIP and disability benefits
- Run by local councils, not the DWP
- Can help with food, energy, and essential household costs
- Household Support Fund closes late January 2026
Contents
- What Is The Household Support Fund?
- Who Can Apply?
- How Much Is The Household Support Fund And What Can It Be Used For?
- What This Means For PIP Claimants
- Why Disabled People Are Being Urged To Apply Now
- How To Apply
- Frequently Asked Questions
- In Summary
What Is The Household Support Fund?
The Household Support Fund (HSF) is a government-funded scheme designed to help people who are struggling to afford basic living costs.
The funding is provided by central government but distributed by local councils, which means eligibility rules, payment amounts, and application processes vary depending on where you live. The support is intended to help with essentials such as food, energy bills, and urgent household needs.
The current fund allocation is due to end in late January 2026, after which councils will no longer be able to make payments.
Source: Gov.uk
Who Can Apply?
Local councils are encouraging applications from households experiencing financial pressure, including disabled people and those with long-term health conditions.
You may be able to apply for the Household Support Fund if you:
- Receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Claim Universal Credit, ESA, or Pension Credit
- Have a disability or long-term health condition
- Are struggling with rising food, energy, or household costs
You do not always need to be receiving benefits to qualify. Some councils assess applications based on income, savings, or recent financial hardship rather than benefit status alone.
Source: Gov.uk
Purpl Tip: If you receive PIP only and no means-tested benefits, do not assume you are excluded. Many councils accept applications from disabled people whose costs are higher even if their income appears borderline.
How Much Is The Household Support Fund And What Can It Be Used For?
Many councils are offering payments of up to £200 per household, although the exact amount and format can vary.
Support may be provided as:
- Cash payments
- Supermarket or food vouchers
- Energy bill credits
- Direct payments to suppliers
The fund is designed to cover essential living costs, particularly where disability or health conditions increase day-to-day expenses such as heating or specialist equipment.
Purpl Insight: Councils often prioritise applications that clearly explain why costs are higher. A short explanation of disability-related energy use or essential spending can strengthen an application.
What This Means For PIP Claimants
If you receive PIP, applying for the Household Support Fund will not affect your PIP payments.
Payments:
- Do not count as income
- Are not reported to the DWP
- Do not trigger reassessments or reviews
Because PIP recognises the extra costs of disability, many councils treat it as an indicator of higher household expenses rather than financial security. However, HSF payments are not automatic, and councils do not receive PIP data unless you apply.
Purpl Insight: With ongoing uncertainty around future disability benefit changes, local schemes like the HSF are becoming an important source of short-term support without added stress.
Why Disabled People Are Being Urged To Apply Now
Councils across England have warned that Household Support Fund budgets are limited.
Once the scheme closes:
- Any unused fund money cannot be carried forward
- Late applications may not be processed
- Eligible households could miss out entirely
Disabled people often face higher living costs, especially for energy and transport, which is why councils are urging early applications before funding runs out.
How To Apply
You must apply for the through your local council.
To apply:
- Search online for [Your Council Name] + Household Support Fund
- Check the eligibility criteria on your council’s website
- Apply online or request a paper form if needed
Some councils also accept referrals from advice services, disability organisations, or local charities.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Household Support Fund
What Is The Household Support Fund?
The Household Support Fund is a government-funded scheme that helps households in England with essential living costs such as food, energy bills, and household items. It is run by local councils, which set their own eligibility rules and payment amounts.
Is The Household Support Fund Still Open?
Yes, the Household Support Fund is currently open, but the latest funding round is due to close in late January 2026. Once this deadline passes, councils will no longer be able to accept new applications or make payments.
How Much Can You Get From The Household Support Fund?
Most councils offer up to £200 per household, although the exact amount varies by area. Some councils provide smaller payments, vouchers, or multiple instalments depending on need and available funding.
Can You Get The Household Support Fund If You Receive PIP?
Yes, many people who receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can apply but PIP does not guarantee approval, but councils often take it into account because it recognises the extra costs of disability.
Does The Household Support Fund Affect PIP Or Other Benefits?
No, it does not affect PIP or other benefits. Payments are not counted as income, are not taxable, and are not shared with the DWP, so they will not trigger a benefit reassessment.
Is The Household Support Fund Paid Automatically?
No, the Household Support Fund is not paid automatically. Even if you receive benefits such as PIP or Universal Credit, you must apply directly through your local council.
Can You Apply For The Household Support Fund More Than Once?
In some areas, yes. Whether you can apply more than once depends on your local council’s rules and how they distribute their HSF budget across the year.
Do You Need To Be On Benefits To Get The Household Support Fund?
No, you do not always need to be on benefits. Some councils accept applications based on low income, financial hardship, or exceptional circumstances, even if you are not claiming benefits.
What Can The Household Support Fund Be Used For?
The money is meant to cover essential costs, including food, groceries, gas and electricity, and basic items for the home. Councils may limit how vouchers or payments can be spent.
How Do You Apply For The Household Support Fund?
To apply, search online for your council name followed by Household Support Fund. Most councils offer online applications, but paper forms or help through advice services may also be available.
In Summary
The fund offers up to £200 in short-term help for households struggling with essential living costs, including many people receiving PIP and other disability benefits.
With the Household Support Fund closing in late January 2026 and funding limited, eligible households are being urged to apply as soon as possible through their local council.
For disabled people facing ongoing cost-of-living pressure, this support could make a meaningful difference — but only if action is taken in time.
About the Author
Georgina is the founder of Purpl, a platform dedicated to helping disabled people save money through exclusive discounts. Living with both Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and ADHD, she understands firsthand the financial challenges that often come with managing a disability. Because of this, her mission is to collaborate with brands to secure discounts that help ease the cost of essential products, services, and everyday expenses for the disabled community.
As an ambulatory wheelchair user, Georgina also knows how it feels to lose a sense of independence due to a disability. For that reason, she’s deeply passionate about using holistic therapies and diet to manage inflammation and stay as healthy as possible. Ultimately, her goal is to make Purpl a trusted, go-to resource for disabled people — one that provides not only discounts but also practical advice, emotional support, and genuine financial relief.
Beyond Purpl, Georgina has a long-term vision to launch a foundation that will offer grants and funding for disabled people who need additional financial support. Through this, she hopes to create lasting change, empowering others to live with dignity, confidence, and choice.
Follow @Purpldiscounts on social media for the latest disability discounts, financial advice, and accessibility resources.
Other articles, or links, you might find useful:
Council Vouchers and Extra Help if Receiving PIP
Grants for Disabled Children in the UK: What Help Can You Get?
Financial Crisis Support Across the UK
Council Tax Discounts for Disabled People: The Support Most Don’t Know Exists
