Help for households
See what support is available to help support you and your family with the rise in the cost of living.
Cost of living support
Find out more about government’s cost of living support package, providing help for households with rising prices, targeted at those most in need.
Household Support Fund (HSF)
The Household Support Fund grant is a one-off award that could help if you are facing hardship or emergency, including struggling to pay bills or afford food.
Tenant support
If you are a private tenant, we support you to ensure your rights and responsibilities when renting a property from a private landlord. Find out more about support for private tenants.
Holiday Activities and Food (HAF)
Children who are eligible for and claiming benefits-related free school meals can sign up for free activity clubs with healthy meals over the summer holidays.
Warm Spaces
To support the local community, we have created a directory of Warm Spaces in Croydon. These are heated, safe and friendly locations in the borough that you can visit for free to keep warm.
Find support for families, young people and children
Use our directory to find council services, local voluntary and community organisations that can help support you and your family in Croydon.
Food banks
You can contact the discretionary support team who will support you with referrals to local food banks. Email dhp2@croydon.gov.uk and provide the team with the following details:
- the reason you need the emergency support for a food bank referral
- when you will receive your next Universal Credit/wages
- a mini statement from your bank or building society
You can also find available food banks in Croydon using Simply Connect's food bank list.
If you are in urgent need of food
Contact: Nightwatch
Time: From 9pm every night
Location: Fell Road near Bernard Weatherill House
Food: Soup and Sandwiches
Healthy Start Scheme
If you're on a low income, pregnant or have a child under 4 years old, you can get help to buy fruit, vegetables and milk.
Email healthy.start@nhsbsa.nhs.uk or call 0300 330 7010 for more information.