The Household Support Fund is money from the government that we use to help low-income households with food and fuel poverty.
The funding has been extended to the end of March 2026, and we have received a further £7.1 million of funds.
How the money will be allocated
Free school meal vouchers
Free school meal vouchers will be provided for free school meal and Pupil Premium children all school holidays until at least March 2026.
Vouchers will be sent from the school by email, contact your school directly if you do not receive it.
Care leavers and foster households
Support is available for care leavers and foster households to assist with their food and heating costs. We'll contact them directly.
Charities
Money is also being allocated to Feeding Bristol, Red Cross, and the Centre for Sustainable Energy. These organisations will contact you directly if you're eligible.
What happens if I still need help
If you need financial support, you can still benefit from this fund. You can:
- apply for an emergency payment from the Local Crisis Prevention Fund (if you are aged 16 or older and live in Bristol, and are in financial crisis and need help with essential day to day living expenses)
- apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment (if you get Housing Benefit or the Housing Element of Universal Credit and need extra help for housing costs)
- get cost of living advice
You can also get help with money and debt problems and find out if you can claim benefits.