Help with the cost of living in County Durham
From Friday 27 February, the Household Support Fund (HSF) distributed by Point North, on behalf of Durham County Council is closed to new applications.
What is the Household Support Fund?
The Household Support Fund is provided by the UK Government to deliver support to County Durham’s most vulnerable households.
It provides grants to support people living in County Durham who are struggling to afford household essentials including energy and water bills, food, and other essentials.
If you are struggling right now, there is other support available across County Durham, and we want to help you find it.
Support available
If you are worried about family finances, food, energy costs, housing, benefits or debt, there are services that can offer advice and practical help.
1. Durham Locate:
Durham Locate an online directory for County Durham residents. You can search for:
- Local food support
- Community groups and charities
- Advice services
- Family and wellbeing support
It is a good starting point if you are not sure what help is available near you.
2. Welfare Assistance Scheme:
The Welfare Assistance Scheme can provide short-term support if you are facing financial hardship. This may include:
- Help in an emergency
- Support to live independently
- Assistance if you are setting up home
You can find details on how to apply through Durham County Council.
3. Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP):
If you are struggling to pay your rent or housing costs, you may be able to apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment. DHPs are for tenants who:
- Receive Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit
Applications are made through Durham County Council.
4. Other support from Point North
You may be eligible for other grants managed by Point North. Unlike the Household Support Fund, any application you make must be submitted by an appropriate person who will act as a referrer or sponsor. This can be:
- A frontline worker who provides information, advice and guidance to help you make decisions on learning, training and work in East Durham
- Career advisor
- Social worker
- Support worker from a relevant registered charity, housing association or public sector organisation
Visit our grants page to see what grants we currently have available.
Practical next steps
If you are unsure where to begin:
- Speak to a trusted support worker, school, GP practice or local advice service.
- Check you are receiving all the benefits you are entitled to.
- Ask your energy supplier, water or broadband provider about payment plans or hardship schemes.
- Contact your landlord early if you are worried about rent.
We know times are tough across County Durham and across the wider North East.
Although this round of the Household Support Fund has closed, support is still out there.
Please explore the options above and connect with local services as soon as you can.
