The Household Support Fund (HSF) is a government-funded scheme delivered by Children and Families on behalf of Swale Borough Council, designed to help vulnerable households in Swale with the rising cost of living.
What does the HSF offer?
- Food support: Access to ambient food boxes via the Family Food Bank Network, delivered by Seashells Family Hub across the Isle of Sheppey.
- Utility support: One-off virtual prepaid cards for billed account customers to pay gas, electric, or water providers (online or by phone), and fuel vouchers for prepayment meter customers in partnership with Fuel Bank.
Eligibility criteria:
- Be a Swale resident
- Aged 16 or over
- At risk due to inability to access funds
- In arrears with your utility provider
- Have less than £500 in your bank/savings account
If you are unsure about your eligibility, please contact the HSF team for a confidential discussion.
How to access:
- For food support, contact Seashells Family Hub or visit the centre at Rose Street, Sheerness.
- For utility support, complete the online form or contact the team directly. You will need to provide documentation to verify eligibility.
Important notes:
- The scheme runs until September 2025 or until funds are exhausted.
- Applications for utility support are processed within 5 business days.
- Support is managed on a case-by-case basis, and previous recipients may reapply with evidence of continued need.
Contact us if you have any questions or need help with your application. We are here to support you.
Service access criteria:
Must be a Swale resident
Categories:
Food banks
Financial advice and support
Additional needs catered for:
N/A
Waiting list (weeks):
0
Fuel Advice, Water Advice, Utility Support, Food, Crisis, Friendly, Social Isolation, Loneliness, Community connections, Help, Support, Challenges, Advice, Budeting, Money Management, Debt