Telford and Wrekin crisis assistance scheme

Families of Telford and Wrekin can turn to the council for help, when they are out of all other options. If the resident meets income and other eligibility criteria, then the Telford and Wrekin Crisis and Resettlement scheme can keep families safe and healthy when they are facing an emergency and have no other resources available to them.

The scheme was created to address people in a crisis, whether it is an unexpected financial hardship or a disaster, such as a fire. This form of welfare will address basic needs such as food or toiletries which will help keep people safe and healthy and living in the Telford and Wrekin district. Another component, resettlement, will address household items such as furniture.

All other government assistance needs to be applied to first, prior to enquiring about welfare. So residents need to have explored advances from the Job Centre Plus before seeking helping from the council. They also need to have determined if their family or friends can help address their need, and the welfare scheme from the council is only a last resort.

Crisis Assistance is what families on a low income can apply to for basic needs, such as food or hygiene items. This is for people either under exceptional financial pressure, or that are faced with some sort of disaster such as a fire. When a family in Telford and Wrekin is out of food, this is the programme to turn too.

The Local Resettlement Assistance scheme is for individuals moving into their own home. Maybe they were leaving a hospital or were homeless and living in a hostel, and this can assist them. There is also support for people leaving prison, and the aim is to provide the goods people need for their new property.

Any type of assistance is for people on benefits, or maybe they are in the process of applying for them. Benefits that may be eligible include Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, or the elderly on Pension Credit. If the applicant is not receiving these, then the council will see if their partner is. If they are, then the scheme may still assist. So the programme is open to different scenarios.

As part of resettlement, the Telford and Wrekin Council may provide goods such as furniture, appliances such as a fridge, or even bedding. These items will help the family or individual establish their new home and ideally keep them housed and independent.

Food parcels are also available in Telford and Wrekin for an emergency. The council partners with other organisations to arrange this service for people facing hunger and that are on a low income. To make an application, people should call the Wrekin Housing Trust shop or the Telford Citizens Advice Bureau.

If those options do not work to provide a free food parcel, then residents can dial the Council’s Crisis Assistance Line on 01952 380400. The customer service team will explore any other options for the resident that may be available. They can even arrange for toiletries or similar goods to be delivered, or refer the family to free food banks.

Often a crisis can be caused rent arrears. For tenants that claim the housing benefit and that are threatened by homelessness, the Telford & Wrekin Council can refer people to Discretionary Housing Payment. This is another service available from the Crisis and Resettlement scheme, and more information can be obtained by ringing 01952 383838.

People seeking to apply can call the Crisis Assistance Line, and the phone number is 01952 380400.