LOW-income households can apply for support from a council-run fund this week.

Round 4 of the Household Support Fund (HSF) will open for applications at 10am on Thursday (October 5) for those in need of support in the Dorset Council area.

The government scheme, funded by the Department for Work and Pensions, provides support in the form of supermarket vouchers.

Citizens Advice will be allocating this fund on behalf of Dorset Council and vouchers will be issued to residents who meet the eligibility criteria within six to eight weeks.

Dorset Council households will be able to apply if they have:
• an annual household net income of less than £30,000 and
• savings of less than £16,000 and
• not applied for a previous HSF payment within the last six months

Calculations for the annual net income should not include Personal Independence Payments, Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, Carers Allowance or Child Benefit. Applications are limited to one per household.

Cllr Laura Beddow, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for culture, communities and customer services, said: “In a continued effort to support low-income households, Round 4 of the Household Support Fund reopens on Thursday, offering essential assistance through supermarket vouchers. We’re here to ensure that Dorset Council residents have access to the essentials they need.

“If you do miss out on this window, another will open on Thursday 2 November at 10am.”

Residents should apply online, via www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/household-support-fund, which also features more details, including future application window dates.

Anyone needing extra help completing the form can telephone the Customer Services department on 01305 221000, or visit a customer access point.