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Discretionary payments from the Exceptional Hardship Fund can help families on a low income that are facing a crisis. There may be money to pay for emergency living expenses, such as food or a rent deposit to resettle a family into more affordable housing. The fund may also be able to help with other needs as well, however the Uttlesford District Council will need to review each request for need and merit.

EHF was created in partnership with Fire and Police Preceptors as well as Uttlesford District and Essex County council. All the organisations partnered together on the creation of the fund and contribute to it in order to assist people that have had a reduction in their benefits or other forms of support. Priority for any funds is on providing food and related assistance to the needy and low income families, however there may be help for paying other bills as well, such as a rent deposit, and this is at the discretion of the council.

Application process for funds in Uttlesford

For more information, the Council Offices are on London Road, Saffron Walden. When applying for the Exceptional Hardship Fund, the person needs to meet low income levels or be facing poverty, and they also need to have a support worker help on the application process. They also need to have a crisis due to unforeseen circumstances, and any financial aid is for short term help only. This is not a scheme that will provide long term assistance. Or people from the community can call 01799 510345.

Anyone can apply for this scheme, regardless of gender, race, age, religion or belief, civil partnership, sexual orientation, or marital status. In the past, funds have been paid out to the elderly, people with a disability, and lone parents, so it is wide ranging. However the are no guarantees to getting help from EHF.

The council will provide assistance as a last resort, and the applicant needs to have applied for help from other charities or the council in their district, or from the county. The applicant will have accessed support from independent agencies, Step Change, the Citizens Advice Bureau or a local church first. As an example, individuals will need to have requested deposit help from a local scheme, or stopped by a food bank for help in the form of a parcel. Or if they are facing fuel poverty, the individual should have contacted their gas or electricity company to enter into a payment plan. Other conditions are as follows.

• The funds are at the discretion of the council, so any application can be refused.
• Cash is limited, and many people will be provided a voucher or some other form of help. Examples may be the landlord is provided a bond guarantee for the deposit, or maybe a voucher to a food bank in Essex will be provided.
• It takes several days for the council to asses the application and provide funds.

The aid is limited, and many applications will be refused. The Hardship Fund will prioritise certain people in the Uttlesford area, and they include the following.

• There is help for young people, under 25, who can’t live at home, and this is an aim of the rental deposit assistance.
• Residents with an illness who can’t work or lost their income may be considered for hardship.
• A suspension of government benefits may make someone eligible.
• Lone parents may receive help as well for their children, and this may be food, nappies, and baby items from the Exceptional Hardship Fund (EHF).

Any funds are limited, determined by the council, and paid at their discretion. There will rarely be cash available for the payment of a bill, but most people will be given either a voucher or some type of pre-paid card for their expenses.

The Uttlesford council will also refer the client to other support services in order for them to get long term help for their needs, including government approved not-for profits such as National Debt Line. The council has partnership with CAB for addressing debt arrears or job training needs. Other organisations in the county, such as Family Mosaic, also help in this regard.