Latest round of Dorset Household Support Fund opens
Supermarket vouchers are being offered to struggling families
The latest round of a Household Support Fund is being opened up by Dorset Council today (Wednesday 3rd January) to help low-income families in the county.
The scheme's funded by the Government's Department for Work and Pensions, to offer supermarket vouchers to those in need.
They'll be distributed by Citizens Advice in Dorset, to families who apply and meet certain criteria:
- An annual household net income of less than £30,000
- Savings of less than £16,000
- Not applied for a previous HSF payment within the last 6 months
Calculations for the annual net income should not include Personal Independence Payments, Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, Carers Allowance or Child Benefit.
Cllr Laura Beddow, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Culture, Communities and Customer Services said:
“Christmas can be an expensive time for all of us and it’s important to try and start the new year off well. If you are currently struggling with the cost of living challenge, this initiative may help you as it offers supermarket vouchers to help with essentials.
“If you are applying in this window, please make sure you have not applied for a previous HSF payment since July 2023 as further vouchers cannot be issued and there are a very limited number of applications available for this window.
“If you do miss out on this window, another will open on Tuesday 6th February 2024.”
There's more information on how to apply on the Dorset Council website, you can also call Customer Services on 01305 221000 or visit a customer access point for help with an application.