Help available for Hampshire households facing urgent costs

The fund can help eligible low-income households who are facing a financial shock, or who are at risk of falling into crisis. This could include help with essentials such as food, energy, housing costs and essential travel costs. 

Support may also be available for some households that use heating oil as their main way of heating their home and are at risk of running out due to increased costs. Eligible residents may be able to receive up to a £300 contribution towards the cost of heating oil.

The Crisis and Resilience Fund is not only about emergency help. It is also intended to help people access advice and support that can make money worries less likely to build up again. Support is focused on crisis payments, housing support, financial resilience services and community support. 

Hampshire County Council is currently working with Citizens Advice to help deliver crisis support and financial resilience services. Residents are being asked to use Hampshire County Council’s webpages as the main place to check what support may be available and how to seek help. 

Councillor Zoe Huggins, Executive Lead Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, said: “We know that an unexpected bill, a change in income, or the cost of essentials can quickly put pressure on a household.

“The Crisis and Resilience Fund is there to help eligible residents who are facing urgent financial difficulty, and to connect people with advice and support that can help in the longer term.

“If you are struggling, or you know someone who is, please check the information online and seek help before things get worse.”

Residents may be eligible if they live full time in Hampshire, are facing financial hardship, have an immediate need, receive a qualifying means-tested benefit or have a low household income after essential living costs, and have limited access to savings. Separate schemes operate in Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight. 

Residents who use heating oil may be eligible for support if they live full time in Hampshire, use heating oil as their main form of heating, are at risk of being unable to heat their home or access hot water, and meet the financial criteria. 

Residents can find more information on the Hampshire Crisis Support webpage and the Heating Oil Support webpage.