UK Bill Help

The local welfare scheme is run by the City of Sheffield council. The authorities will provide assistance in the form of a grant to families on a low income that also receive benefits. There is also financial help for those living in poverty, and the welfare scheme can help pay for a portion of essential living expenses (such as food or energy bills) along with provide them household goods.

The Local Assistance Scheme was created in an effort to replace the programmes that were run by the central government. Any type of financial support is provided at the discretion of the council, and they are under no obligation to provide any form of assistance.

Also, the grant or voucher will only pay for a portion of any bill that is needed, and it is a last resort. More often than not the council will provide the family with the goods they need (such as a parcel of food or furniture) or direct the applicant to other sources of funding, such as a loan or help the household enter into a payment plan for any rent or energy bill arrears.

When applying for a grant from welfare, the authorities will take as long as 15 business days to assess the application. As part of this process, the individual seeking help needs proof of income and residency. There will only be up to two grants provided per year as well. The applicant will also need to agree to working with partners in the City of Sheffield, such as Citizens Advice, on dealing with the cause of their hardship.

If the applicant is facing a short term crisis and is out of all other options, and if they meet other eligibility criteria, a grant may be provided to them. This can be used to pay for expenses ranging from a gas or electric bill to keep the heat on or a parcel of food. Grants may also cover emergency travel expenses.

In some cases, the City of Sheffield will offer the goods directly to the applicant. So they may be given items such as a bed or white goods. If this is the option taken, then the applicant may need to pick up the items.

If the applicant is not qualified for a grant from the City of Sheffield welfare scheme, then the authorities may issue them a loan in partnership with the credit union. This process will usually take much less time, and if approved, the money can be paid out in as little as two days. The Sheffield Credit Union as well as the council issues these Low Interest Loans for bills that if left unpaid, would result in a health or safety crisis. This is part of the Money Service scheme that the local authorities are using to break the cycle of families turning to payday lenders.

Application process for welfare in the City of Sheffield

Funds are issued at the discretion of the council, and residents are not entitled to welfare. The funding is very limited and many people will be denied. However the authorities will then try to signpost the person to other resources.

The applicant needs to have no other options available to them for the bills they owe, so they can’t have access to savings or assistance from friends or family. They also need to be on some form of government benefits, such as a Pension Credit, Income Support, Jobseekers Allowance, or any other Income-related Employment or Support Allowance.

The authorities will determine what type of bills can be paid by the grant, or they will decide to provide the goods. So the pre-paid card issued by the City of Sheffield will only cover certain expenses. The council will ensure that the funds are used for what they approve.

Applications for welfare can be done online or at the council office. Or residents can dial 0114 2734567. Other sites that will allow free internet access to apply include UK Online Centres, Internet cafes, libraries, or computers at First Point, Howden House. The applicant can also talk to their Support Worker for help in the process.