Discretionary Support Scheme emergency assistance in East Sussex

Individuals on a low income, the unemployed, and vulnerable can get one time help from the Support Scheme in East Sussex. The council created this programme as its welfare assistance fund, and it uses government funds to help the disadvantaged with paying for bills and a number of living expenses.

While the council will not provide cash, what may be provided is a voucher for supplies. Or in some cases people can be referred to a credit union for a low interest loan. The priority is on assisting with needs such as food, heating bills, basic household items, or rent for people threatened by homelessness. In some cases, the scheme can provide partial funds for deposits on a new private sector property. There can also be suppliers from Sussex that provide free furniture, beds, or appliances as part of DESSS, and these will be offered by local suppliers.

The Discretionary East Sussex Support Scheme (DESSS) has limited funds, and any support is at the discretion of the council. They are not obligated to helping anyone from the community, and the government does have budget constraints so the scheme could be ended at any time.

Anyone applying for help needs to be over the age of 16 and have a local connection to East Sussex. They also need proof of the emergency and hardship, and need to have applied to other charity programmes first. For example, charities such as the Salvation Army in East Sussex or the Trussell Trust may have food available, so people need to have contacted them first. Anyone that needs more information can learn more on food banks.

Priority is for people facing a crisis, that are also on benefits. So aid from DESSS is for individuals on Pension Credit, Income Support, Universal Credit, or that receive other government aid. Or an applicant can be on a very low income and in the process of applying for government benefits. There is also aid for people in east Sussex impacted by a disaster such as a fire.

Financial help and free items from DESSS welfare

If an applicant needs funds to pay bills, including fuel, heating, housing, or something else, as noted the East Sussex council will not provide money. Any financial aid is for an emergency and at the discretion of the council. Pre-paid loaded cards are often used. Or the council will contact the creditor, utility company or landlord to work out payment arrangements for the bills.

The East Sussex council also works to address the cause of the emergency. So if the applicant is in debt, or needs a job, then referrals are provided to job training or debt counselling. They partner with many organisations and charities on helping people facing poverty. So the Support Scheme provides assistance for a number of needs of struggling families.

When the council provides assistance, whether it is a voucher or some other aid, they may approve only certain bills to be paid. For example, if a household has health issues due to fuel arrears, then the funds will only be for paying those expenses. In some cases there may be help for travel expenses or funeral costs. Even if the entire cost of travel is not paid for, then the East Sussex Support Scheme will offer a lower price. Find more details on getting free travel cards for a discount.

Housing payment assistance is provided, mostly from the council and its partners. If a tenancy may end or a family is threatened by homelessness, then the money or voucher from the DESSS scheme will only be for the arrears on the rent. They also work with other district councils, the Citizens Advice Bureau, advice agencies, and other charities to help with resettlement expenses. This can be funds for deposits for moving into a new property or also rent in advance for up to 4 weeks.

To apply for the scheme, the council can be reached by calling 0300 330 9494. Or residents can send an email to desss@eastsussex.gov.uk for an application, or stop by the main council office.