Hastings emergency welfare

The Hastings council provide financial help and other support from the local welfare scheme. The government operates this programme in partnership with other charity as well as not-for-profit organisations in the area, including credit unions, Citizens Advice, and central government schemes. There may be help paying for utility bills, free food parcels, white goods, free debt and money management advice, and many other forms of assistance given to the poor and needy in Hastings from the welfare grants.

Council financial help from welfare schemes

Hastings welfare can help with many needs. It can be financial help for bills, free items or stuff to help people settle into a home or flat, advice, counselling, food, and more. Each person or family applying for help often has unique needs for their family. Some of the main criteria of the emergency welfare scheme in Hastings include the following:

-No money is provided to clients.
-Any financial help or funding from welfare is at the discretion of the council, however if not qualified then linkage may be given to other charities, government aid like local housing allowance (LHA), discretionary housing payments (DHP) for rent arrears, budgeting loans or more.
-Welfare grants for helping to pay bills is for the low income, people on benefits including LHA, disability or Universal Credit or other government help.
-Free stuff given can include furniture, couches, food from a local food bank, white goods, meals, and more.
-The applicant needs to have limited income, savings, and the council help is a last resort. Friends, family, charities, churches and other organisations need to be applied to first for emergency financial help.
-Grants or vouchers (but not money) can be used to pay heating or utility bills, emergency travel, housing costs and other bills.
-Welfare grants or loans are combined with free advice.

Other support can also be provided by welfare. As noted, the council will assess each application on a one off basis. The assistance is discretionary. No one is entitled to receiving help from the council. Also, free vouchers or items are often passed out first and not money for paying bills. Sometimes only payment plans are used for vendors or landlords as part of welfare in Hastings.

Help from not-for-profits in Hastings

Welfare is limited and discretionary. Therefore the council also partners with local charities, not for profits as well as other government schemes to help families on a low income. There is also help for the homeless and less fortunate.

One aim is to help people budget, save, and increase their income. This is a focus of both the council as well as organisations in Hastings including Citizens Advice. They also work with national groups including the national Money Advice Service on showing people how to save money. All these organisations are focused on giving emergency support to the needy.

Another scheme for the low income or formerly homeless, that is directly offered by the Hastings council, are funds to help pay for rent deposits. This is a housing scheme. There may be bonds or loans provided, but the landlord needs to agree to this form of financial help. In addition, this is only for tenants and they need to meet certain criteria such as income, tenancy agreements, the home affordable and more. The rent deposit help is often combined with welfare grants as well for paying for utility bills, food, and other living expenses.

Welfare is also often combined with free food as well as hot meals in Hastings. As when a client of the scheme needs support from the council, it is often beneficial for them to be given food too. Even if they do not need it immediately, the groceries can help them by freeing up their income to pay for other bills. The main option in the Hastings community is Trussell Trust food banks, and they are at The Hastings Centre, The Ridge, Hastings TN34 2SA. The phone number is 7526 066453.

Applying for welfare schemes and social services in Hastings

When it comes to financial help from welfare, it is discretionary and limited. The amount of assistance is based on central government funding allotments as well. However when it comes to advice, this is always offered; anyone can seek it from the council.

For more information or to apply, the council welfare scheme (or other free advice) is offered at Hastings council at Hastings Town Hall, Queens Road, Hastings TN34 1QR, or call 01424 451080. The customer support team is always available.