Hertfordshire Welfare Assistance Scheme

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. 

• Turn2us: -  https://www.turn2us.org.uk
• Herts Children’s Fund: http://www.hertscf.org.uk/hertfordshire-childrens-fund
• 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/  (this is for women only)
• Budgeting Loans – https://www.gov.uk/budgeting-help-benefits/how-to-claim
• Glasspool Trust - www.glasspool.org.uk  - UK wide charity that provide one off grants to individuals and families.
• Newby Trust- https://www.newby-trust.org.uk/ - 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.