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The Emergency Local Assistance scheme in Dorset uses both government and council funds in an effort to help the vulnerable that are facing a crisis pay the bills. Grants are provided to address basic needs including food or groceries to clothing and furniture. Applicants to the welfare scheme need to be threatened by a health or safety crisis and also have no other resources or savings available to them for their bills or basic needs.

The emergency assistance will prioritize those leaving some type of care or hospital, women or children fleeing domestic violence, and families facing a disaster such as a fire. There may be one-off aid for others under exceptional pressure, but the Dorset County council (DCC) is under no obligation to provide funds or support to the needy. The scheme from the council is very limited, and while exceptions can always be made as to who gets help, it is uncommon for an award to be issued due to the funding levels.

Also, priority is for when all other sources of assistance, such as from charities, food banks, friends, and family is exhausted. The applicant also needs to be on a low income and have very little savings available to them for their bills and household expenses. So the Emergency Local Assistance scheme has many restrictions on it and any grants or vouchers paid out from the council is at their discretion.

Uses of grants from Dorset Local Assistance

Cash will not be provided, but the items may be given by the council or its partners directly to the applicant, or pre-paid cards may be issued by partners such as All Pay. The scheme helps with basic needs such as those below.

Basic needs can be met. Food is a priority, and the council will provide a parcel of groceries. The goods can feed a family no matter how many members, for up to 3 days. In some cases, a voucher is given to a local food bank in Dorset. This also includes clothing vouchers from DCC, such as winter coats and items for work.

Household items for those that are resettling. The emergency welfare scheme can provide furniture, bedding, and white goods. Dorset Reclaim provides these items, and may deliver the household goods too as part of Local Assistance. Appliances for emergency heat if the applicant has a health issue, and this is also for older people in Dorset.

Emergency vouchers from Local Assistance can be provided. They are free to the low income, needy, and those on welfare. All sorts of bills can be paid by them or free items provided. They can cover clothes, food, heating needs, as well as other costs. Find more details on how to get free vouchers.

Other support from Local Assistance is for travel for individuals with an illness or fleeing violence. Tickets or grants will be provided by DCC to the person seeking help. There is also home delivery of household goods or food for meals from East Boro Housing Trust.

In some cases, the council will issue the grant on a pre-paid card. The family will be able to use the credit for buying the goods they need, and the council has full information on what the card is being used for. The funds will be processed similar to an EBT type debit card. The Emergency Local Assistance scheme will only approve certain bills and items to be paid for using the card, and suppliers are approved before hand.

The Adult Access Team from Dorset County council will review all application and give an interview and assessment. Proof of income, hardship, age, and other information will be needed. All decisions are made by them on awards and amounts to pay out as part of welfare. If a resident is not issued a grant, then the council will signpost the applicant to other assistance programmes or government schemes, as there are many solutions in the region.

To apply or get more information, households on a low income can call 01305 221044. The Access Team will take information and process any claims for emergency assistance.