Financial help from Buckinghamshire Local Emergency Support scheme

The Buckinghamshire county council provides financial help from the Local Emergency Support scheme. Using central government money, there may be funds for paying some bills (including heating or fuel) as well as essential items (including free food, clothing or white goods). The local scheme is aimed at individuals or families that are out of resources on their own.

This is the local version of welfare. It is only for residents of Buckinghamshire, and there is no help for people seeking asylum in the county. Also since the council depends on the central government to fund this scheme on a yearly basis (and funding comes and goes), the number of people that are assisted by the Local Emergency Support scheme is limited. The grants also are paid out first come-served to individuals that meet the criteria, including they need to meet means tested welfare benefits or be receiving tax credits.

Before applying to the Buckinghamshire welfare scheme, all other resources need to be used for. This means the family needs to have turned to a Trussell Trust or charitable food bank first for a voucher. Or they need to have used a payment plan from their energy suppers or the Winter Fuel Payment for their bills. All other options, whether they are Universal Credit or LHA for paying rent also need to be exhausted. Also, applicants need to have used loans from the Department for Works & Pensions (DWP) first. Only then may the Buckinghamshire Local Emergency Support scheme help.

But of course income limits are in place as well, and the applicant also need to be at risk for harm to their family without aid. Applicants also need to meet the central government criteria for Social Security Persons from Abroad legislation. Any funds for people who are able to seek a job, or who are workers status, will be at most 6 month. So any food, light bill help, or other grant based aid will end at that time.

Financial aid and material needs from Emergency Support scheme

Urgent bills can be paid. This may be for heating or lighting. Other examples of what a grant may assist with include pre-paid cards for utility meter top-ups or a parcel of food. The local welfare scheme will not pay for rental arrears or a deposit in Buckinghamshire. However the council can refer the tenant to other options for those funds. Read more rental assistance.

If a person is being rehomed in the county, then the welfare support scheme will help provide them with free essential items for their new home or flat. This will be based on the criteria of the applicant as well as what their needs are. But there may be the following essential items given out. Most of the stuff is second-hand goods.

• -Furniture, including beds.
• -White goods, fridges, washers, or cookers.
• -Kitchen items and utensils.
• -Referrals to partners, including churches or charities.

Local Emergency Support can also provide the Buckinghamshire family with many other needs. The aim is to get the person set up in their new home. So whatever furniture or supplies they need will attempt to be addressed.

The financial assistance for paying emergency bills, when combined with essential household items as well as counselling, can be effective at helping families on a low income. The Buckinghamshire council as well as their partners work together to help the poor and vulnerable in the county. To make a claim for the Buckinghamshire Local Emergency Support scheme, ring the council at 01296 382414 or 0800 999 7677.