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When a family in Redbridge has no alternatives available, the Emergency Support Scheme may be able to provide the help they need. The council aims to assist people faced with a safety risk or some form of health issue, such as lack of food or people that are threatened with homelessness or the shut off of their heat. There may also be help for rent deposits and other housing assistance in the Redbridge district.

There are many individuals or families that may not be able to get assistance from the scheme, and for these people, the council will offer referrals to other financial aid as an alternative. This can be to a local charity in London, in which volunteers will signpost for the applicant, or the council also partners with the Credit Union and DWP which can issue low interest loans to those that can’t get help from the Emergency Support Scheme.

Financial help from Redbridge local welfare emergency support scheme

The aim of the Redbridge Council is to help families that are out of options and have applied for financial help from other sources. With the limited funding available in the district, the greater London area, and the nation, many residents of the district are just out of options, and this is who the Emergency Support Scheme is meant to help. Assistance from the scheme can help with the following expenses.

• Rent deposits can be provided for families that are in a resettlement programme or that are moving from a hostel or from institutional care.
• Vouchers are provided for families to use at a Redbridge or London food bank or soup kitchen. This is limited, and the council will often recommend families go to a centre on their own for groceries. Find a listing of free food banks.
• The scheme may have some funds to help people facing fuel poverty or that have an arrears on utility bills.
• Women or children moving from domestic violence are a priority, and the scheme can offer them help in locating a new home and paying any security deposit or rent in advance due to the landlord.

Emergency Support is one off type aid. The Redbridge Council will not continue to provide funds to people that have requested financial assistance multiple times, either from the council or some other local authority. So the funds are aimed at those people on a low income, with a crisis, and that are not chronically behind on their bills.

Financial literacy from Redbridge emergency scheme

Cash is limited, and the Emergency Support Scheme will usually provide support in other ways. There may be household items (such as furniture, towels) or if a deposit is needed, the scheme may offer a guarantee for that rental payment. For residents that are not eligible, other alternatives include Budgeting Loans from DWP or groceries from a food bank.

Also, anyone that applies needs to work with a social support specialist or volunteer to access job training, budgeting, or some other type of support. They also need to take part in money management advice and learn how to maximise their income. As the aim is one time financial help to address the health issue, and then the applicant needs to be able to pay their rent, bills, or obtain food on their own.

The council in Redbridge, as well as its partners, realize that financial help needs to be combined with stability. Families on government welfare or charity aid need to learn about budgeting, paying down debt, and improve other financial skills. This will be mandatory.  Find details on saving money to pay bills, as it is a great resource.

Applications

The application process is done online, and there are internet access points in Redbridge as well as the council’s main office. Or individuals can call 020 8591 9705 for more information on the scheme or to apply. Another option is to send an email, and that address is admin@redbridge-ess.org.uk.

The council knows that the funds are meant for a crisis, so they try to review applications for the Emergency Support Scheme and make decisions on them within five to ten days. Information on the outcome and a voucher or some type of aid will be provided soon after that.