Local welfare provision
Funding for emergency and grant provision is limited. This means the scheme is subject to change and can only be provided while funds are available.
Emergency provision
Emergency provision is available following an emergency or crisis to meet the immediate day-to-day expenses relating to food and utilities. Supermarket vouchers and top-ups for pre-paid energy meters are provided to meet these needs.
To be eligible for the emergency provision you must be:
- permanently residing within Central Bedfordshire
- 16 years or older
- in an emergency situation and not have enough money to meet the immediate needs of you and your family
- able to provide sufficient proof of identity
You do not need to be in receipt of any benefit or entitlement.
How to apply for emergency provision
The quickest way to apply is online.
Contact us if you need support
Please note: All applications are online only. There is no facility to see applicants in person.
Online applications will not be processed during bank holidays. If your request relates to a vulnerable child or adult who has an emergency that cannot wait until office hours, please call 0300 300 8123.
Grant provision
Grant provision can provide goods and services to help people to live in the community. It may be offered, for example, for resettlement following a period in care, prison or other institution, or to ease exceptional pressures on families following a breakdown of a relationship or a disaster.
Successful applicants will receive their goods directly. Grant provision award is not a cash or monetary service.
The service will not replace broken items unless following a disaster.
To be eligible for grant provision, you must:
- be permanently residing within Central Bedfordshire
- receive means-tested benefits, such as Guaranteed Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Income Support, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- be 16 years or older
- have no other source of income or financial assistance to meet unexpected or expensive outlays
How to apply for a grant
What you'll need to have ready, when you apply:
- proof of ID for all members of your household, including children, such as:
- passport
- driving licence
- birth certificate
- proof of address such as:
- utility bill
- Council Tax bill
- signed tenancy agreement
- 2 months' recent bank statements of all accounts from all household members
- proof of all benefits and/or wages, showing the amount and dates these were last paid, with your name and address
You can provide these when you apply online and upload them during your application.
You can use photos or screenshots, but they must be clear, readable and include your name and address.
You can also email documents to lwp@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk up to 10 working days after you apply, but this will slow down your application. If you fail to supply all relevant documents within 10 days, we will have to close your application.
You will have to attend an interview within 7 working days of receipt of your completed application to discuss your claim. We will make a decision within 7 working days of your interview.
Policies
You can read both the Local Welfare Provision Policy and Local Welfare Provision Appeals Procedures in full below.