Updated 15 January 2025

Emergency Financial Help

Local welfare assistance, food bank vouchers, utility grants, and other emergency funds when you have no money.

Relevant for:

Currently Homeless

At Risk

Important Warnings

Local welfare schemes have limited funds and may run out, especially towards the end of the financial year.
Some schemes only offer loans, not grants. Make sure you understand if you have to pay the money back.
Do not borrow from loan sharks or use high-interest credit. Seek advice from StepChange or Citizens Advice instead.

Local welfare assistance schemes provide emergency grants or loans for people in crisis. Each council runs their own scheme with different rules.
You can apply for help with food, gas and electric, clothing, or emergency travel. Some councils also help with rent deposits or furniture for a new home.
Most schemes require you to have no other source of money and to be receiving benefits or on a low income.
There are also national and local charities that offer grants for specific needs (e.g., fuel poverty, debt, care leavers).

You have the right to apply for local welfare assistance, but there is no legal right to receive it. Decisions are discretionary.
If you are refused, you can ask the council to reconsider or escalate to a manager.
You should not be charged for applying or penalized for asking for help.