The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has notified us of a text message scam where residents are being told they are eligible for financial assistance linked to the Household Support Fund (HSF), Cost of Living Payments and UK Home Office notifications.
The DWP says it is taking action to close down fraudulent sites but has asked residents to be wary of attempted scams.
In addition, West Sussex County Council will never text or call you to ask for your bank details in relation to welfare support.
If you think you may have been the victim of a scam, you should report this to Action Fraud or by phoning 0300 123 2040.
On 30 October 2024 the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions announced that the Household Support Fund would be extended for a further twelve months, from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026. Local councils have been allocated funding by UK Government to support residents in need across the county.
£742 million has been made available to County Councils and Unitary Authorities in England to support those most in need.
The primary objective of the fund is to provide crisis support to vulnerable households in the most need with the cost of essentials.
The secondary objective is to provide preventative support to prevent vulnerable households from falling into – or falling further into – crisis.
Eligibility includes:
- a wide range of low-income households and is not limited to those in receipt of benefits
- families with children of all ages disabled people who may be facing acute challenges to meet additional needs in order to manage their conditions, remain independent and avoid becoming socially isolated
- Care leavers who face particular barriers as they leave the care system and begin to live independently
- people with caring responsibilities who may be facing acute challenges incurred through their fulfilling these responsibilities for vulnerable citizens
- individuals with no recourse to public funds - regardless of immigration status, if there is a genuine care need that does not arise solely from destitution
This list is not exhaustive and there may additionally be households that are subject to requiring support.
Additional support from this continuation of funding will be allocated in a comparable way to previous rounds:
- Funding continues to be allocated to support children in receipt of term-time free school meals with vouchers for the holidays.
- We are working in partnership with district and borough councils to administer funding most suited to individual communities, to allow each district and borough to administer their own support offering in line with local demand.
- Funds are distributed in partnership with other organisations including Citizens Advice, Carers Support West Sussex and food and fuel banks to ensure a wider community reach.
Find information on West Sussex County Council’s response to the cost of living.
Apply for support
Applicants who meet the criteria will receive a one-off financial support offering per household during the 6-month period. Support by way of information advice and guidance, including signposting, will continue to be available to all West Sussex residents throughout the full fund duration.
Any households who would like further details, or believe they meet the criteria, can apply now via the Community Hub application-based element of the scheme.