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The borough of Ealing created a welfare scheme to replace the loans and Community Care Grants that were provided by central government funding. The aim of the funds in Ealing is to help with the payments of housing costs and related expenses. So the council may provide funds in a crisis for rent in arrears that may be due to prevent homelessness or the money may be used for security deposits on a new home.

All of the assistance from the council is on housing, as the price of a new flat in Ealing and the greater London area is very high. Many local landlords are requiring several weeks for the deposit, and prospective tenants struggle to come up with that money. Also, the monthly payments due on a flat are very high, and that is a struggle too.

The council, using money from the local welfare assistance scheme, wants to help people maintain an independent life in their own home, and preventing evictions is a focus. In addition, is someone is facing an immediate financial crisis, this is also when the scheme can assist.

For people that are homeless or in rent arrears, they can request assistance as well for those housing expenses. The council may help with a rent deposit for a new home in the private sector, and this is also for those who want to resettle. Other financial aid can assist with rent in advance.

Some of this aid is provided from a similar programme in Ealing known as Discretionary Housing Payments, but it either case addressing housing problems is a focus. The council can assist with a number of costs for families on a low income that already receive a benefit.

Long term support is also provided by the team that is part of the local welfare assistance scheme. They help the client with budgeting, give them free debt advice, and can refer them to job training or other workshops, such as on income maximization. In fact, in order to get financial aid from the scheme, this will often be required.

The funds from the Ealing local welfare assistance scheme is limited, and any awards are made at the discretion of the council. All applications will be reviewed for need and the council will make a decision based on merit, income, and other factors. The grants will only be for people with a local connection, so they need to live or work in the borough. Proof of income, savings, and other information is also required as part of the application process. The money is paid at the discretion of the council, and there is no appeal process in place.

Since the scheme is case limited, the assistance is usually provided on a pre-paid card. So the council will put the money on the card, and then the landlord can use it for the rent that is due. Or the scheme may be used for other expenses, and no matter the use, the pre-paid card will be used for those bills. If any applications have been falsified, or if the card is used for inappropriate purchases, then the person will be denied further aid and will also need to return the money to the council. Call the council at 8825 6237 to apply or make a claim.