As the cost of living continues to squeeze household budgets, North Yorkshire residents are able to receive some financial help from the Council. If you find yourself in financial stress then you should reach out to them to see if they can help provide goods (not cash) to help alleviate this.
There are two different types of support available:
- food and utility vouchers (supermarket vouchers and electricity or gas meter top-ups)
- other essential items – furniture, white goods (cooker, washing machine), clothing vouchers, household items
If eligible, you can currently apply for:
- up to four food/energy vouchers per 12 months
- up to two household items per 12 months (only one white goods item)
Eligibility
The North Yorkshire Local Assistance Fund provides support for vulnerable adults and families who find themselves under exceptional pressure.
You may be eligible if you meet the following criteria:
- are aged 16 or over
- live in or are moving to North Yorkshire
- receive a means-tested benefit or have a household income below £16,105 and less than £1,000 in savings
- have exhausted all other forms of support
- are currently being supported by an authorised agent with one or more from the following list
- homelessness
- learning or physical disability
- mental health challenges
- recently released from prison
- victim of domestic abuse
- carer
- drug or alcohol dependency
- families under exceptional pressure
Get Support
For food or utility vouchers you can apply directly by calling Family Fund Business Services on 01904 550030.
You will need to provide proof of eligibility and your address.
Calls can last around 20 minutes and vouchers are sent by text or email. If you do not have access to either of these, please pop into the Community Office where the team will be happy to help you.
Please check against the above eligibility criteria before you apply.
Further Help….
If your application is declined or you need further help there is information about benefits, energy bills, food and managing debt on theircost of living page.
If you are experiencing benefit delays, you may be eligible for a short-term benefit advance.
Call the Department for Work and Pensions on 0800 328 5644.
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