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The low income, or people on benefits that are local to Hounslow, can apply to the Council’s crisis payment scheme. This is a discretionary welfare payment programme for residents that are facing a health or safety risk, and all assistance from the council will be paid based on the merit of the applicant.

This scheme was created to replace the assistance that was provided by the Department of Work and Pensions Social Fund in the past, and any aid is limited and at the discretion of the council. Some priorities are to keep people living in the community, or help them establish residency, and this is where rent help is available. Another use of the welfare scheme is on providing basic needs, such as food, to ensure a resident is healthy. The scheme may also provide furniture for their new home as well.

Another priority of the Hounslow crisis payment scheme is to assist families or individuals that are facing an emergency and are under exceptional pressure. If this is the case, and the family is threatened with a health issue as a result, then food or funds for heating bills to keep a family warm is available. Or other similar expenses can be addressed. Any grant paid out will need to reduce pressure on the claimant, and the person will also need to agree to budgeting as well as job training to regain independent living.

Eligibility conditions for crisis support

The council has several in place. While there are no guarantees to being issued an award from the authorities in Hounslow, some of the priorities are as follows.

• All applicant need to be over the age of 16.
• A connection to the Hounslow borough needs to be in place, whether from work or residency.
• Applicants need to be on government benefits, or the council may make exceptions for others with a low income after an assessment occurs.
• All other financial aid and local options need to have been applied to first, as welfare is a last resort.
• The applicant needs to be under exceptional pressure, such as threatened with homelessness, ill, a family breakdown, have a disabled member of the home, or a death in the family.

Those are some of the eligibility conditions. Even if they are met, the council will only provide funds after an assessment is completed. They will also verify all of the applicant’s information, and any fraud will be dealt with by the Hounslow council and other authorities in the region.

Bills and expenses paid by Hounslow scheme

Solely at the discretion of the council, they will pay over ten different types of expenses, ranging from housing to food and travel. There may even be funds for fuel bills as noted below. All of this is part of the Hounslow welfare scheme.

• Housing payments, including rent or a mortgage, and this is if the client’s income does not support the expense they owe.
• Household items, such as furniture or white goods.
• Fuel bills, including reconnection fees and well as utility or heating costs, or repaying a credit on a meter. Seniors and vulnerable are a priority.
• Travel expenses for a funeral or if a family member is in and in the hospital.
• Individuals moving into a private sector home can get help from the Hounslow borough crisis payment scheme in some cases.
• Clothing, cooking supplies, and similar basic needs.

Housing is a priority of the Hounslow welfare crisis scheme. The council will offer bonds, financial help, and information on how to pay the rent or damage deposits. They also help tenants sustain their flat or home from counseling. When it comes to financial aid for housing arrears, appliances need an income. It can be from benefits, including Universal Credit, or a job. As future rent payments need to be made by the applicant. Or find deposit help in London.

For more information or to have questions answered, the council can be called at 020 8583 2000. Or drop in at the office at the Civic Centre, Lampton Road, Hounslow, TW3 4DN.