UK Bill Help

People with a local connection to Trafford can get help in an emergency from a programme known as Assist, which is the government welfare scheme. The aim is to help families live independently or recover from a crisis. The council can provide items such as food parcels, funds for a rent deposit, or in some cases, a pre-paid fuel card for paying bills to individuals on a low income. There may also be help for other one off needs, such as funeral expenses.

The council provides this emergency financial aid in partnership with other organisations, such as Citizens Advice as well as local food banks. They also operate with charities in the greater Manchester area, as the assistance from Trafford Assist is a last resort and people need to have sleeked help from other sources first. When someone is applying for this scheme they need to prove their income and also that they have no other means of getting assistance. So they need to be facing hunger or homelessness.

Any grants issued are at the discretion of the council, and the funds will usually be issued within five days. If the family is facing a more urgent crisis, such as lack or food, then the process may take one day so it is accelerated. Priority is also on addressing hunger or preventing homelessness, and this is done from rental assistance, deposits, or offering meals, but other aid is offered too.

Financial help from Trafford Assist

All funds are limited, and the fund will usually use up all the money it has. So the grants provided by the scheme are limited and will come with conditions. A couple include the applicant needs to be over the age of 16 and have a connection to Trafford. Much the financial help for paying bills goes to residents on government benefits too.

Housing needs can be addressed by Trafford Assist. This can include everything from payment to a rent deposit or other housing costs such as furniture for a new home. They may also be some goods such as fridges available from the Recycling Center.

Rent deposits can be paid as part of welfare, but the assistance is separate. The council will refer tenants, the homeless and others to bonds, loans, or other aid. The aim is to prevent homelessness and encourage people to live in an affordable home or flat. Find details on rent deposit schemes.

Funeral and cremation bills – Trafford Assist can pay up to a one third of the cost of the poor. The grants are all part of the government welfare scheme, and benefit the low income. Or clients can find other schemes to pay for funerals.

The homeless and people moving into a new home can get white goods, such as a cooker or bed. In some cases, the scheme can pay for clothing. The council may be able to direct those sleeping rough to local hostels too.

Fuel and electricity bill arrears can be paid in some cases from the scheme. This can also include other utilities, such as gas. Trafford Assist will provide a pre-paid card for these costs.

Free stuff from Welfare scheme in Trafford

Food is always a focus. The council does not want families to go hungry, so a voucher or grant may be issued. The client can use it for either the local supermarket, or they can bring the voucher to a food banks for the items they need, including a Trussell Trust center in Manchester. Any food aid is limited to at most twice per twelve months.

The parcel will be based on both dietary requirements and family size, and it will be enough food for up to 3 days. This programme can also be available in less time if the family is going hungry, or they can turn to a soup kitchen for short term assistance.

Other aid can be travel expenses for a job or a funeral expense. This is only one-off aid and is very limited. Or the council provides free items in partnership with charities, and this may be furniture, white goods, cookers, and other items.

All applications can be done over the phone, and people can call 0844 332 9003 to reach the helpline. Or stop by a local Citizens Advice Bureau, as a specialist at the center can help the individual apply for assistance as well.