The Household Support Fund is there to support those in exceptional cases of genuine emergency where existing support from housing benefit, universal credit (housing element) and discretionary housing payments do not meet the exceptional need. The fund can be used to support households with housing cost support through help with rent arrears. 

The Household Support Fund Grant is funded by the Department for Works and Pensions.

The Household Support Fund (HSF) is currently open and will run until 31 March 2026 (or until the budget is spent). 

Who can apply for assistance with Rent Arrears 

The person receiving the help must: 

  • be over the age of 16
  • live in the Borough of Havant

We can only consider helping you if you are in receipt of the housing element of universal credit and live in Havant Borough Council area or you receive housing benefit paid by Havant Borough Council. 

There must be a genuine need for an award of HSF and a genuine reason why you are unable to raise the funds yourself. 

The property that you are renting must be affordable and you must be able to manage any shortfall of housing costs.  

What can’t be funded?

  • any application made that is felt to be not an immediate need.
  • applications from those with sufficient income or savings.
  • support with mortgages or personal debts.
  • phone costs or associated expenses.
  • help with payment of your ongoing rent.  
  • help with payment of council tax.  

If you have not made an application for Discretionary Housing Payment, you need to do this before applying for HSF using the link below – this will enable us to make a decision in regard to your application for the Household Support fund.

Apply for Discretionary Housing Payment

If you have already applied for DHP and wish to apply for funding relating to rent arrears please use the link below:

Household Support Fund Grant Application Form

Reviewing the decision  

There are no further appeals rights for the grant, the council’s decision is final.  

Other help available

For help with utility bills such as gas, electric and water, visit the Citizens Advice website - or residents can call the advice helpline on 0808 278 7809 (between 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday) or email advice@citizensadvicehavant.org

Hampshire County Council’s connect4communities programme can also signpost you to community pantries in the area. Community pantries work on the principle of giving those in need the opportunity to have a ‘helping hand’ by getting food at a lower price on a weekly basis.

Access to the community pantry is by way of membership and, for a small weekly contribution, members receive food to a significantly higher value.

Directory: https://fish.hants.gov.uk/kb5/hampshire/directory/home.page