UK Bill Help

Families on a low income with a connection to Torbay may receive assistance from the borough council and the Crisis Support programme. This scheme can help residents under an extreme financial hardship, such as those who are going hungry or are threatened with homelessness. The aid from the council can come in different forms, including funds or goods to address a crisis and other types of ongoing support, however cash is never paid out. The council may also provide referrals to local charities for other forms of aid.

Any assistance from Torbay Crisis Support is for people on a low income or facing poverty. The applicant also can’t have access to any other savings and they need to be out of all other options, so the scheme is a last resort. Also, any payments will prioirtise people that are otherwise living independently and are facing a one-off emergency.

Each application will be assessed by the council on an individual basis. But in general, a crisis needs to be from an unforeseen circumstance (such as job loss) or a disaster, including things such as fires. The applicant needs to be under extreme financial pressure and be out of all other options, and also be on a low income. Applicants will also need to have seeked help from other local not-for-profits or even their families or friends before applying to the Torbay Crisis Support scheme.

Financial assistance from Torbay scheme

What the scheme will provide will vary and is at their discretion. Cash payments will never be made to the applicant, but in some cases a voucher or maybe pre-paid card will be issued. Or there may be no interest loans provided in partnership with Credit Unions in Devon. More examples are below.

• Families facing hunger can be provided a food parcel or referral to a soup kitchen or foodbank in the borough.
• Rent deposits may be assisted with in limited situations, such as for a resident resettling into a new, more affordable home in Devon. These often need to be repaid. It is a countywide scheme, and find more details on rent deposit help in Devon.
• Household needs can be provided by the Torbay council, in partnership with recycling centers or second hand goods suppliers. This may be furniture, white goods, fridge’s, and similar goods.
• Welfare can be provided for other household expenses at the discretion of the council.
• Note cold weather payments and fuel bills can be paid from DWP, and not from this scheme.

The support payments are for people on a government benefits, such as Income Related Employment or some other allowance or pension. The payments from council can be to help families set up a new, affordable home, and there may be funds for deposits or furniture. Another aim to is to residents remain in their home in Torbay.

No matter what the need is from the applicant, cash will never not be provided. In lieu of that will be vouchers or referrals to local programmes. Or access to funds from the Devon credit union will be arranged for those residents of Torbay that qualify. The council may also work with their landlord on various deposit schemes. So terms can change.

The credit union will offer both (1) loans to help with bills as well as (2) money advise. The interest rate will be lower than other forms of borrowing, as Torbay has not-for-profit credit unions. The low APR will benefit the repayment terms. As an example, find other payday loan alternatives.

When applying, evidence and proof of the hardship is required. The council will verify the information too, including checking with other charities, verifying agreements with landlords, and reviewing council tax records. So verification will also occur and fraud will not be accepted.

In some cases, people awarded help from Crisis Support will need to repay the council. All decisions and eligibility terms are made at the discretion of the council in Torbay. They will decide what types of bills or needs can be addressed from the welfare scheme, and issue funds appropriately.  To apply for any assistance, call 0800 9176832.