Wealden discretionary support

Residents local to Wealden can get financial help from the council in one of two ways. The first form of assistance from the Discretionary support scheme is for paying utility bills. This may be electric, heating, or light. The second form of help from the council will be for food to help the family (or individual) ensure they have something to eat for a short period of time. There is also linkage and referrals to long term money and budgeting advice.

The Wealden council partners with the East Sussex authorities to provide this form of help from emergency welfare, also called DESSS in the county. It is a local council scheme that will help people who are going through a temporary hardship or crisis. The food and grants to pay for utility bills can provide the residents more time to get their financial situation back on track.

When does the Wealden discretionary support welfare scheme help?

It is a discretionary scheme. This means that no resident is entitled to welfare or any financial help. Also, each application is assessed on a one-off basis for merit. Exceptions can be made. In general, the Wealden council will provide energy bill or food help to people waiting on government benefits including Universal Credit or that have had benefits stopped or payments reduced. There can be free food or electric bill help given to people whose money was stolen or that had an unexpected bill they needed to pay for another major expense, such as a car repair, medical, or another expense.

Wealden welfare will help people that are leaving a care situation, such as a hospital or nursing home. The council welfare scheme will provide pre-paid cards to turn on their electricity, free furniture for a new home or flat, and other help in getting established in the area. The discretionary support scheme often helps the elderly or disabled in their homes too.

Welfare scheme and other financial assistance

The discretionary support scheme only provides a little amount of help. As noted, it is mostly food or utility bill assistance. Also, cash is never given only vouchers, grants, or pre-paid cards. Many Wealden families need additional help too, and they can find it in the district.

The Salvation Army operates across the county. They offer basic needs, both free and gently used stuff. Much is in partnership with council schemes too, as they both try to help the vulnerable, poor, and struggling. Whether free groceries from the food bank or the Open Christmas toys and meal scheme, assistance is offered.

The Wealden council discretionary grant welfare scheme is combined with long term support too. As utility bill assistance and food is short term and for a financial crisis only. Therefore, the district council partners with citizens advice on budgeting as well as money management. These address long term employment and financial needs. Citizens Advice Wealden has a post of The Hub Civic Approach, Uckfield TN22 1AL. Telephone is 344 411 1444. Ring them for free advice.

Apply for financial help and discretionary support scheme in Wealden

Applications can be done at the local Wealden Council office. Both financial aid and free stuff, like food, may be given. Or learn about discretionary housing payments, rent deposit bonds, and much more help. The post is Vicarage Lane, Hailsham, BN27 2AX. Or the County council can be applied at too, and that telephone number is 0300 330 94 94.