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The Local Welfare Support Scheme, which is for Merton families on a low income, is very limited in what can be provided. Any type of support is at the discretion of the council, and as funding allows there may be household items provided, vouchers to food banks or Post Office Payout locations, or even housing assistance for people resettling.

The borough can provide this help due to an allotment of funds they are given on an annual basis from the central government. While they will try to provide a grant or some type of voucher to clients, there are instances in which the council wants to be repaid, so in those instances a loan will be used in lieu. The assistance is at the discretion of the council and a number of eligibility criteria are in place.

Welfare is targeted at the vulnerable in Merton Borough that are on benefits, whether it is a pension, income support, or any of the other six main ones. Any assistance is as a last resort and only to address a crisis for people with no other access to support, whether from friends or family.

Uses of grants from Merton Welfare Scheme

There are three main types of claimants, and it will be for people that need to resettle or remain living in Merton, and there is also help for low income residents that are threatened by a health issue. In many cases, this will mean a family that is running out of food or threatened by homelessness due to rent arrears or a fuel shut off.

The council will review each application, and conduct an assessment. Based on the results, and the individual’s needs, there may be items provided for those health issues such as a food bank voucher. Or for people resettling into the borough, furniture or bedding may be available in partnership with the Vine Project. Any support is only offered at most once per year.

Grants are used for addressing an emergency. This may be pre-paid card for heating costs or system repairs. Other uses of the scheme in Merton may be for food or clothing. While the funding is very limited, the council can decide to provide up to £500 to the applicant.

Families with children, including lone parents, can receive additional support, namely in the form of food. They may receive additional grants at the discretion of the Merton Borough Council. Enquires to this can be made at the council office during the interview process, or if a family is threatened by hunger, find help from food banks.

While the council can assist by issuing a grant, this will not be the same as a cash payment. Instead, either the goods will be given to the claimant, or a pre-paid card or voucher will need to be used at a Post Office Payout. Or, if the award if for furniture, then a voucher will be taken to the Vine Project, which is a local re-use centre.

To get more information, people can call the council at the number below. There are also charities in the Merton Borough that partner on the Local Welfare Support Scheme, and these registered organisations, such as Citizens Advice, can also provide information to families in the region. The council strongly encourages people to drop in and talk about the scheme, as not only will they direct people on how to apply, but signposting to other charities and organisations is provided too, such as for debt arrears or employment.

Applications are accepted Monday through Friday, and for enquiries, residents should call 020 8274 4908. Freephones are available across Merton, and residents can drop in at libraries, the Civic Centre, or even local libraries.