Unpaid carer who's struggling with essential bills?
Are you struggling with household bills?
If you’re an unpaid carer in need, you may be eligible for a small grant from the Household Fund.
The Household Fund is provided by the UK Government, and Action for Carers is one of the organisations who distribute it in Surrey.
Our allocation is for unpaid family/friend carers who are struggling to pay for food, fuel, water, or other essential bills. You can apply for up to £300.
You need to be registered with Action for Carers, but registering is quick and easy.
What can I apply for help with?
You can apply for a grant for up to £300 to pay for essentials such as:
- Food
- Housing (but not mortgage payments)
- Utilities – gas, electric, water etc
- Household essentials
- Other essential items for example boiler repair.
Who can apply?
- You need to be an unpaid family or friend carer, looking after someone who is disabled, unwell or has a long-term condition, and you are struggling to pay your basic bills and household needs.
- You need to be living in Surrey, or the person you care for lives in Surrey.
How to apply
Please complete this form.
You will be asked if you are registered with us as an unpaid carer. If you are not, our team will get in touch to register you.
If you have any difficulties with the form, you can also apply by calling our Helpline team on 0303 040 1234, choosing option 1, or you can email [email protected].
The Fund is time-limited.
It will take us a few weeks to process your request, but we will get back in touch as soon as possible.
Further help from SCC and Citizen’s Advice
Are you confident you are receiving all the benefits or tax credits you are entitled to? Are you stressed about debt or worrying about how to make your money stretch further?
Citizen’s Advice have teamed up with Surrey County Council (SCC) to offer tailored financial advice to check that your finances are in the best shape they can be. If you are interested in finding out more, and how you might be able to maximise your income, please contact Surrey’s Welfare Line on 0300 200 1008 and ask to be referred for ‘HSF advice services’.
Previous feedback on the Household Fund
This is the second time we have had Household Funds to allocate.
Below are comments from some of the carers who received help last time:
- “I was so grateful for the grant. I had it paid straight into my energy provider account. It took away some of the worry about heating & energy costs.”
- “It’s one of many weights lifted.”
- “A huge difference and has helped me clear part of debt. Which is a weight off my shoulders.”
- “I can get a little bit more food to eat.”
- “Hugely helped take the stress away from food shopping and clothing. I appreciate the grant so much so thank you all again.”
