Stockton Local Assistance Scheme emergency funds

Providing both emergency financial aid, as well as advice on address the applicant’s hardship, the Stockton Local Assistance Scheme helps the needy and families on a low income in the district. The priority of the council is to use the SLAS scheme to help residents gain independent living and address the applicants long term need, such as employment or budgeting advice.

While financial aid can be provided from welfare, often in the form of a voucher, more likely the council will provide free advice or information on benefits and local charities. They may also signpost the applicant to some of these other organisations, especially since funding from the scheme is so limited.

What can Stockton Local Assistance Scheme provide payments for

First, any aid is a last resort, so applicants need to have applied for other benefits and charities first, before approaching the council. The scheme is administered locally, but it uses government funds, and the money is intended to be a safety net for people facing poverty. It was created when the district has taken over the discretionary Social Fund scheme, so it has many of the same criteria but all applications are assessed by the council.

Any assistance will prioritize those with a healthy or safety threat, such as lack of food or maybe they do not have clothing for the cold weather. Aid is also for a one time crisis, and families in Stockton can apply for assistance year after year. If they can’t help, then SLAS may offer the following.

Pre-paid cards can be used to top off or pay for fuel bills or heating costs.
Vouchers to the Stockton or a foodbank in Manchester County.
Travel expenses can be paid by Stockton Local Assistance Scheme, and this can be to someone that is terminally ill or that is very sick.
Referrals to soup kitchens in the district as well as other places for items such as vegetables or non-perishable food.
Clothing or items such as baby nappies.
Furniture items for a new home, such as vouchers for furniture, appliances, beds, white good, or cookware.

Details and applications for SLAS

When applying, proof of the following will be needed, and the council may ask for more information. Be prepared with benefit/income status, proof of income and expenses, details on the hardship being threatened with or other qualifying circumstances, and more. Priority is often for women fleeing domestic violence, people with a disability, the ill, young people, and hungry. Also, to help chances of receiving assistance, the applicant should be on the path to independent living and stability. Any grants from SLAS are at the discretion of the council, and funds are limited.

Applications for the SLAS welfare scheme can be completed at different places. Online applications are available at a library or a Direct Local Centre, or people can apply at the Stockton council office or dial 0161 217 6009 for customer support. Specialists can answer questions and provide more information on the application process as well as the details of what is needed.