Immediate financial help

Applications for assistance connected to the Household Support Fund can be made via the councils existing Community Crisis Payments and Community Support Grants details of which can be found below.

Community Crisis Payment

Community Crisis Payments (CCPs) are part of our local assistance scheme. CCPs are intended for applicants who are unable to meet their immediate short term needs either -

  • in a crisis in relation to some expenses
  • as a consequence of a disaster

Community Support Grant

Community Support Grants (CSGs) are part of the local assistance scheme. CSGs are intended to help vulnerable applicants live as independent a life as possible in the community. They can provide financial assistance for items such as -

  • furniture or furnishings
  • minor repairs and redecoration
  • white goods
  • certain travel expenses
  • clothing

Discretionary Housing Payment

Discretionary Housing Payment helps people who need extra help with their rent when Housing Benefit or the housing cost element of Universal Credit does not meet the full value of their rent (or to secure a tenancy). If you are suffering severe financial hardship as a result, or your tenancy is at risk you may be able to get a discretionary payment to help towards these payments.

Free school meals

You may be able to claim Free school meals for primary and secondary schools.