Household support fund

If you live in Islington and get pension credit, you can now apply for help with household costs through the Household Support Fund. 

We understand know that some people on Pension Credit may find it hard to pay for things like food and energy bills. This fund is here to help.

Who can apply 

This help is for people who: 

• are 66 years or older (State Pension Age) 
• are on low incomes and are receiving pension credit, guarantee credit or savings credit 
• live in Islington as your main and permanent address. 

We will use Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) data and other systems to check that you receive or have claimed pension credit. 

What you can get   

If your application is successful: 

• you will get £200 as a one-off payment  
• the money will be  sent by the Post Office
• you will get a letter with details to collect the money.  

If you want the money sent to your bank account,  you must upload a bank statement with your name and address when you apply. 

There is only one payment per household, and money is limited, so apply soon.  

We may refer you to other local  services that could help you. 

What happens after you apply 

• You will get a letter from the Post Office if your application is successful   
• Take the letter to the Post Office to get your £200 cash payment 
• If your application is not successful, we will write to you and explain why.

We try to get a decision within 21 days of your application.   

Once all the money has been given out, applications will close. 

Apply now

If you need help to make the application, please call 020 7527 8222.  

About the Household Support Fund

The Household Support Fund aims to provide crisis support to vulnerable households, helping those most in need with the cost of essentials. The fund is provided by the Department for Works and Pensions (DWP).

Islington has been allocated £ 3,909,440.47 for the period 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.

The distribution of this fund will help with essential living costs such as:

• holiday free school meal households and low income households with children under school age
• supporting -some of the least resilient low-income households, including pensioner, disabled and carer households
• helping foster carers and those with exceptional housing costs

Automatic payments to eligible residents

Some eligible residents will get an automatic payment (a letter and voucher). We identify the residents who need support through our benefits and support records, including:

• Housing Benefit
• Council Tax Reduction scheme
• other support we provide

Eligible residents will be sent a Post Office voucher. 

Text message scams

Be aware of scam activity claiming to be about the Household Support Fund. We will not send you:

• a text message about the Household Support Fund
• an email asking you to make a payment to Islington Council before you get a Household Support Payment