Round 4 of the Household Support Fund (HSF), which is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions, has now closed for applications for low-income households in the Dorset Council area. Round 4 ran from April 2023 to March 2024.
Citizens Advice in Dorset are managing some of the Fund on our behalf via a voucher scheme. The final application window was 5 March and vouchers will be issued to residents within 4 weeks. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by Citizens Advice.
We are waiting for further detail from government about an extension from 1 April 2024.
School holiday vouchers
The Household Support Fund will also continue to fund Free School Meal (FSM) holiday vouchers until the end of March 2024. This will cover the October half term, Christmas, February half term, and Easter holidays.
Parents do not need to apply, schools and Early Years settings will issue vouchers for eligible children automatically.
If you aren’t sure check if your children are eligible and find out more.
If your child attends an Early Years setting and is eligible, your setting will contact you and ask for your permission to apply on your behalf.
Your child’s school or setting may also be able to recommend you for a discretionary holiday voucher if you are in significant financial hardship including a drop in household income or loss of a job.
Get support and advice
Find out about other support on our Cost of living help pages including:
- money, debts, and benefits
- access to food
- housing
- support for children
- energy, water, phone, and broadband cost
Find out more information about the Governments cost of living support.