As Community Care Grants and Crisis Loans are no longer available from the Department of Work and Pensions, Hertfordshire County Council set up support to help people facing exceptional and unexpected difficulties.
Help may be available if:
- You have had to move due to exceptional circumstances such as, domestic violence, fire, flood, or being a victim of a crime.
- You are on benefit sanctions.
- You have started work and your benefit payments have stopped.
- You have not had help from Hertfordshire Welfare Assistance in the last six months.
The type of help available from the Hertfordshire Welfare Assistance Scheme is:
- An emergency food parcel containing three days’ worth of food, (tinned and dry goods).
- A voucher to cover a small amount of electricity and gas (not available for smart meters provided by EON).
- In exceptional circumstances, one essential item, such as, a table top fridge or table top cooker. (Washing machines and freezers not available).
- A referral to the Citizens Advice Bureau for a full benefit check and budgeting and debt management advice.
To apply, please fill out an application for the Welfare Assistance Scheme. (opens in new tab)
- Turn2us: - https://www.turn2us.org.uk (opens in new tab)
- Herts Children’s Fund: http://www.hertscf.org.uk/hertfordshire-childrens-fund (opens in new tab)
- Buttle UK: - https://www.buttleuk.org
- Friends of the Elderly: One off Grants for basic furniture, 020 7730 8263 -(Need to be of retirement age and have a referring organisation – CAB)
- Percy Bilton Charity: -Age 65+ White goods / carpets / flooring (have to have a NHS or Local Authority support to sponsor the application – GP / Housing Officer)
- The Smallwood Trust: https://www.smallwoodtrust.org.uk/ (opens in new tab) (this is for women only)
- Budgeting Loans – https://www.gov.uk/budgeting-help-benefits/how-to-claim (opens in new tab)
- Glasspool Trust - www.glasspool.org.uk (opens in new tab) - UK wide charity that provide one off grants to individuals and families.
- Newby Trust- https://www.newby-trust.org.uk/ (opens in new tab) - funding for educational opportunities, social and financial needs and medical conditions.
- Furniture Recycling Schemes / Clothing Shops – a good source for ALL types of household items, usually very low cost.
Contact Information:
Herts Help: 0300 123 4044