If you are a Herefordshire resident needing emergency support you may be eligible for help through our Local Welfare Provision scheme.

This scheme is intended to meet the crucial needs of a person or household that are homeless or in Herefordshire Council temporary accommodation.

It is also intended to meet crucial needs of a person or household who is not eligible for the Crisis and Resilience Fund or has no other means of accessing essential items. We give each case careful consideration, which will include asking for evidence of financial hardship and looking at other sources of help and support which may be available.

If you are eligible, we will offer help in one of the following ways:

• Providing quality, second-hand goods, wherever possible via direct referrals to suppliers
• Referrals to support organisations

If we identify that you are not claiming all the benefits you are entitled to, we will help you with your claim. You may also be directed to apply to the Department for Work and Pensions for a budgeting loan or advance. This may be instead of claiming support under this scheme.

With your permission we can also assess your support needs. This support, for example, could include:

• Access to help dealing with money worries and debt
• Referrals to other organisations that provide specialist advocacy and prevention services

To apply, please complete the application form or phone 01432 383838 during normal office hours. Phones lines are open Monday to Friday from 9am and closing at 4.15pm, except Thursdays when they close at 4pm.

Local Welfare Provision application

We receive a high number of applications to the scheme. Our main focus is to process these as quickly as possible, however if there is a high volume of applications this may take longer than expected.

Where to get extra help

If you're struggling to make ends meet, visit Talk Community's Money on Your Mind website. Money on Your Mind provides lots of advice and guidance, including links to organisations that may be able to help you.

If you can't find what you're looking for there, email crisisresiliencefund@herefordshire.gov.uk

Citizens Advice Herefordshire also offer lots of support and advice. You can contact them via phone at 0344 826 9685 Monday to Friday (excluding Thursdays) between 10am and 3pm or find more ways of getting in touch on the website. Citizens Advice Herefordshire offers outreach appointments in community centres in Newton Farm, Ross-on-Wye, Leominster, Bromyard, Kington and Peterchurch, to find out more, check their website outreaches section. They aim to respond to emails and texts within 5 working days and call from a private number.

Support from voluntary and community organisations

Local organisations are available to support local people who are struggling to pay essential bills as a result of the cost of living increases.

If you are in financial distress or hardship due to the cost of unaffordable essentials including energy bills, food and white goods, these organisations can help with advice services and benefits checks.

For more information visit Talk Community's Money on Your Mind.