Sheffield

⚠️

Emergency and Crisis Support

Short-term financial aid or assistance for individuals and households facing emergencies or crisis situations.

Sections

1. Types of Benefits Available

The UK government and local councils, including Sheffield City Council, provide various benefits and emergency support for individuals in financial crisis. These include:

a. Universal Credit

  • A monthly payment to help with living costs for those on a low income or out of work.
  • It replaces several older benefits, including Housing Benefit, Income Support, and Jobseeker’s Allowance.

b. Sheffield Local Assistance Scheme (SLAS)

  • A local scheme run by Sheffield City Council to provide emergency financial support for essential items like food, utilities, and household goods.
  • It is not a cash benefit but offers vouchers or direct assistance.

c. Housing Benefit

  • Helps with rent payments for those on a low income or claiming other benefits.
  • If you are on Universal Credit, housing costs are included in your Universal Credit payment.

d. Council Tax Support

  • Reduces the amount of Council Tax you need to pay if you are on a low income or claiming benefits.

e. Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP)

  • Additional financial support for those struggling to pay rent, even with Housing Benefit or Universal Credit.

f. Crisis Loans or Budgeting Advances

  • Short-term financial assistance for urgent needs, available through Universal Credit or Jobcentre Plus.

g. Food Banks and Charitable Support

  • While not a formal benefit, food banks in Sheffield (e.g., Trussell Trust food banks) provide emergency food parcels to those in crisis.

2. Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for benefits and emergency support depends on your circumstances. Below are the general criteria:

a. Universal Credit

  • Aged 18 or over (some exceptions for 16-17-year-olds).
  • Have less than £16,000 in savings.
  • Be on a low income or out of work.
  • Reside in the UK.

b. Sheffield Local Assistance Scheme (SLAS)

  • Must live in Sheffield.
  • Be experiencing a crisis or emergency (e.g., no food, heating, or essential household items).
  • Be unable to access other forms of financial support.

c. Housing Benefit

  • Must be renting a property.
  • Be on a low income or claiming other benefits.
  • Not eligible if you are on Universal Credit (housing costs are included in UC).

d. Council Tax Support

  • Must live in Sheffield and be responsible for paying Council Tax.
  • Be on a low income or claiming benefits.

e. Discretionary Housing Payments

  • Must already be receiving Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit.
  • Demonstrate a need for additional financial support.

f. Crisis Loans or Budgeting Advances

  • Must be claiming Universal Credit, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, or Employment and Support Allowance.
  • Demonstrate an urgent financial need.

3. Application Procedures

The process for applying for benefits and emergency support in Sheffield is as follows:

a. Universal Credit

  1. Apply online at the UK Government website.
  2. Attend an interview at your local Jobcentre Plus.
  3. Provide necessary documents (e.g., ID, proof of income, rent agreement).

b. Sheffield Local Assistance Scheme (SLAS)

  1. Apply online via the Sheffield City Council website or call 0114 273 4567.
  2. Provide details of your crisis and proof of your circumstances (e.g., income, residency).

c. Housing Benefit

  1. Apply through Sheffield City Council if you are not on Universal Credit.
  2. Submit proof of income, rent, and savings.

d. Council Tax Support

  1. Apply online via the Sheffield City Council website.
  2. Provide proof of income, benefits, and Council Tax bill.

e. Discretionary Housing Payments

  1. Contact Sheffield City Council to request an application form.
  2. Provide evidence of financial hardship and housing costs.

f. Crisis Loans or Budgeting Advances

  1. Apply through your Universal Credit account or contact Jobcentre Plus.
  2. Provide details of your financial emergency.

4. Associated Costs

  • Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support, and SLAS: Free to apply.
  • Budgeting Advances: Repayable through deductions from future Universal Credit payments.
  • Discretionary Housing Payments: Non-repayable.

5. Local Considerations and Resources

Sheffield has a range of local resources to support individuals in financial crisis:

a. Food Banks

  • Trussell Trust Food Banks: Provide emergency food parcels. You will need a referral from a support agency (e.g., Citizens Advice or Jobcentre Plus).
  • S6 Foodbank: A prominent food bank in Sheffield offering support to those in need.

b. Citizens Advice Sheffield

c. Sheffield Credit Union

d. Shelter Sheffield

  • Offers housing advice and support for those at risk of homelessness.
  • Website: www.shelter.org.uk
  • Phone: 0808 800 4444.

e. Local Charities

  • St Vincent’s Furniture Store: Provides free or low-cost furniture for those in need.
  • The Archer Project: Supports homeless individuals with food, clothing, and advice.

6. Tips for Navigating the System

  • Seek Advice Early: Contact Citizens Advice Sheffield or a local support agency to understand your options.
  • Keep Documentation Ready: Ensure you have proof of identity, income, and residency to speed up applications.
  • Use Online Tools: The UK Government website has a benefits calculator to check eligibility (Benefits Calculator).
  • Be Persistent: Some applications may take time, so follow up regularly.

By utilizing these resources and following the outlined steps, you can access the emergency and crisis support you need in Sheffield. If you require further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to local support organizations or the Sheffield City Council.