Westminter local support payment scheme

When a resident is out of options for addressing a crisis, the Westminter local support payment programme is a form of welfare that is provided at the discretion of the council. The authorities may from time to time provide the low income with some form of grants that can be used to address an emergency situation.

People from the borough should know that the fund is limited in resources, and no one is entitled to any type of support. The local council created this scheme to serve as a safety net for people as a last resort, and only a small number of families will be given an award.

The customer service as well as assessment team from the Westminter council will first direct residents to a Job Centre Plus. People should apply for a Social Fund Budgeting Loan from the centre first. This needs to be done before any welfare payments can be obtained.

Other proof of need is required too. In addition, the council will want to ensure that applicants have turned to a food bank if their need if for a parcel. Or if someone is struggling with paying their energy bills, then they need to have applied for central government schemes such as Fuel Direct or tried to enter into a payment plan with their provider. As another example, if the need of the applicant is for housing, then DHP payments should have been sought, or families should have contacted a shelter.

All of the above and more need to be done before applying for local support payment scheme from the Westminter council. Once again, this is required as the borough welfare programme is very limited and is a last resort. Only if all those options have been refused, then only them may it be possible to seek financial assistance from the council, and an assessment officer will make that determination.

Applying for Westminter support payments

When the resident has followed the process above, then they can call 020 7745 6464 to chat with a customer service representative. The resident needs to be on a low income or benefits in order to apply. Also, any financial assistance is of course for only people with a connection to Westminter.

Any support provided will be in the form of non-monetary aid. So this means that the award will be a grant or pre-paid gift card. The uses of the welfare scheme can range from a voucher for a food parcel to furniture for people setting into a home. In some cases the grant can be used for paying bills such as fuel or local travel expenses, but this is rare.

If an award is not given, then the family does not have the right to appeal this. The reason being is that the Westminter local support payment scheme is discretionary. However, the council will refer people to other resources, such as the Save the Children’s Eat Sleep Learn Play scheme or they will give the applicant a list of food banks to get groceries at. So while many residents will not be eligible for welfare, the council will still try to offer them other support. Find more details on Save the children.

If a resident of the Westminster borough thinks they may qualify, or if they need more information, then ring 020 7745 6464 to speak to the council team.