The Department for Work and Pensions introduced the Household Support Fund (HSF) in October 2021. The HSF grant is funded by the UK Government and has now been extended to the 31st March 2026, they also provide a Cost of living hub. We have been awarded just over £4.9 million and will be using it to provide a range of services.
Local Welfare Provision
If you need help with food, gas, electric or household goods, you can apply for Local Welfare Provision.
You do not need to receive benefits to apply for this help.
We will check
- your identity
- that you live in Bolton
- what your income and expenses are
This information helps us to work out if you need help from Local Welfare Provision.
.Apply for Local Welfare Provision
Children eligible for Free School Meals (FSM)
Families who already receive FSM or who meet the criteria for FSM but have pre school age children, will get help during the holiday periods.
You do not need to apply, vouchers will automatically be sent to you.
Holiday Activities and Food (HAF)
Funded by the Department for Education and co-ordinated locally by Bolton Council, our HAF programme supports children and families on benefits related Free School Meals with free fun and enriching activities alongside a meal for a minimum four hours a day, for four days a week!
Thanks to HSF we can now offer term-time support in Council schemes across the borough, all council sessions meet the offer with food and activity, with further details at www.bolton.gov.uk/HAF
Support for care leavers
Targeted support for care leavers.
Money Skills
Supporting Bolton residents with free, impartial, finance and debt advice, budgeting and energy advice. Visit www.boltonsmoneyskills.org.uk
Bolton Care and Repair
Supporting eligible residents with boiler servicing, repairs or replacement and other essentials. Visit www.boltoncareandrepair.org
Community Support
The Household Support Fund is also being used to provide grants to a range of community-based organisations via Bolton’s Fund (Bolton CVS). These organisations will be providing a range of support across the Borough to residents in financial need.
Community Housing Services
Working together on interventions, protection and prevention plans to help prevent homelessness across Bolton.
Commissioning Advice Services
Funding will be used to directly commission external organisations to provide benefits support and advice to residents.
Unpaid Carers
Managed via the Council’s Adults Department, a budget has been made available to support unpaid Carers with cost-of-living related pressures linked to food, energy and water.
Warm Spaces
Support available to assist with the provision of Warm Spaces across the Borough during the winter months.
Pensioners Winter Support
Targeted support available to help pensioners over the Winter months.