If you are struggling with your finances there are a number of different ways we may be able to support you.
Cost of living advice line
Need help with your food, debts, bills, benefits or to get online?
Discretionary Housing payments
For residents who are entitled to Housing Benefit or the Housing Element on Universal Credit, discretionary payments may be available to help if you are struggling to pay your rent. Find out more and apply for Discretionary Housing payments
Discretionary Council Tax payments
If you are experiencing severe financial hardship through unusual circumstances discretionary payments may be available to you if you are struggling to pay your Council Tax. Find out more and apply for Discretionary Council Tax payments.
Furniture/White Goods
If you’re being resettled or supported to move out of temporary accommodation, the Welfare Provision Scheme might be able to help you with basic furnishings for your new home. No cash awards will be made available and, due to the limited funding available and high level of expected claims, only essential needs will be met, unless there are exceptional circumstances. All furniture or goods provided by the Scheme will:
- Be of good quality
- Be covered by a supplier warranty
- Be delivered to and, where applicable, installed at the address provided
- Meet all current regulations including fire protection; all electrical goods will conform to legislation relating to domestic electrical appliances within the UK.
Find out more and apply for basic items of furniture
Fuel Grants
This will be a one off non repayable grant of up to £49 to support residents with an emergency fuel purchase. This would be normally paid via a PayPoint payment that when collected at the retail unit is transferred to the utility account. Find out more and apply for a fuel grant
Travel Grants
Provision of a one off non repayable amount equivalent to the most economic cost of public transport to and from the resident’s home address for the first four weeks of employment (for example to purchase a bus pass). Find out more and apply for a travel grant
Cash Grants
This will be a one off non repayable grant of between £30 and £60 to support residents following an emergency or crisis. This would be normally received via a PayPoint payment that can be collected at a PayPoint retail unit. Find out more and apply for a cash grant
Free School Meals
Free school meals are available to all pupils in reception, year one and two. If you qualify for certain benefits you can get free school meals for your children all the way through school. Find out more an how to apply for free school meals