South Gloucestershire welfare grant scheme

The welfare grant scheme can help South Gloucestershire residents that are on a low income. Any funds are provided at the discretion of the council, and they will normally require the applicant to be facing an emergency and have no other options available. The assistance is provided in the form of a voucher for say food or there may be grants or pre-paid cards provided for bills and other expenses in a crisis.

South Gloucestershire based local authorities created this scheme to the most vulnerable, such as old people and the very low income. The funds are limited, so the council will prioritise those that have an urgent need for assistance, with aim of helping individuals maintain a home or receive food.

To expand on above, the type of people that will receive priority for any funds can include the following. The council can assist the homeless or rough sleepers. There may be support for residents moving out of residential care, the disabled, or a single parent with children. But others may be eligible for a grant as well, and the South Gloucestershire will assess each application for merit.

Any awards are only for urgent needs to help the family or individual remain independent. Other charity agencies need to have been applied to first, and the South Gloucestershire welfare grant scheme is a last resort.

Applicants will normally need to be in receipt of benefits and have a very low income, or even minimum wage. They also need to be age 16 and over, and not have recourse to any other government schemes or public funds. Many awards are for those facing poverty and that have no family to turn to for aid. The eligibility conditions from the council can vary, and each application will be accessed.

Maintaining a home in the community means that the welfare scheme can offer support for a number of household expenses. Grants from the local welfare programme can be provided for the following.

• Households with no heat can get funds for a gas or electricity bill and a pre-paid card to address any arrears.
• Food parcels and referrals or vouchers to local soup kitchens or not-profit profit food banks.
• Families with children can receive clothing or other items for infants.
• Grants to either establish or maintain a home, and in some cases the council will help with rent costs such as housing payments in arrears or rent in advance or deposits due to landlords.
• Work items include clothing or travel to South Gloucestershire locations for an interview.
• Items for a new home, such as vouchers for bedding, furniture, or heating appliances.

People found eligible for funds from the South Gloucestershire council will not be provided cash. In lieu of that, either a voucher, grant or prepaid card is provided to the client. The awards will be made directly to the service provider, such as fuel company or local supplier for furniture. The authorities from the council may also partner with the property owner to help address any housing or rent payments that may be due.

In many instances, specialists from the council will try to find some other solution to the crisis in lieu of providing a grant, and this may also include payment plans or some type of settlement. In any case, the scheme will not offer direct financial aid, but awards are issued for other needs.

To apply for the welfare scheme, call or stop by Citizens Advice or the council office. All applications will need to be completed online, and people can telephone the council at 01454 868899 for more information.