King’s Lynn and West Norfolk emergency welfare scheme

Families on a low income in the King’s Lynn and West Norfolk borough can receive financial help from the council’s local welfare scheme. There is assistance provided from the central government assistance programme, and it covers emergency bills, white goods, free food, and other requests from the poor.

Any form of support, whether electric bill help or food vouchers, from the King’s Lynn and West Norfolk scheme is for one of two groups of people. They include (1) those in a financial emergency and (2) the vulnerable. In both criteria, the applicant also needs to be on a low income or government benefits; fleeing violence; have dependent children; be aged over 16; or need help resettling. Also, the applicant needs to be local to the King’s Lynn and West Norfolk council area.

The key aim is to keep residents safe and healthy. That is why a free parcel of food may be given, or maybe furniture for a flat. Also, with the cold weather from October from May, local welfare is used to keep the heat on by paying gas as well as electricity bills. The King’s Lynn and West Norfolk council may also come up with other ways to help those who are struggling.

Awards from local welfare scheme

The local welfare scheme provides awards of vouchers to residents that are found eligible. There will not be a cash payment made. In lieu of money, the voucher is used. Or a family will get a pre-paid fuel card. Another form of assistance may include passing out in kind goods, which may be a cooker, bedding, nappies, or whatever item the client needs from retailer’s local to the borough.
There are two main aims of the welfare scheme in King’s Lynn and West Norfolk. The council, as well as charities including Trussell Trust and others, want to keep families fed. They also aim to keep gas and electricity connected. Those will be the main priorities, but all the financial help is discretionary; no applicant is entitled to receiving aid.

When it comes to electricity and gas bills, there may be welfare grants provided from October to March of each year. This will be for households on a low income or in fuel poverty, as well as people with a pre-payment meter who are local to King’s Lynn and West Norfolk.

Emergency food parcels may also be provided by the King’s Lynn and West Norfolk council. The government office will give a voucher that can be used at the Trussell Trust. Or if the council can’t give a voucher, then other distributors may be able to. Churches, charities including the Salvation Army, and others provide them as well as other free food banks. It can be used to get a parcel of groceries that can last up to 3 days.

Other aid may be given too. As noted, the council wants the vulnerable who need to resettle (leaving a care facility, shelter, or hostel) to be safe. The welfare scheme may give them furniture for their new flat or home. Or there can be white goods given or other items. One resource are the free vouchers which can be used at retailers’ local to King’s Lynn and West Norfolk.

When it comes to assistance in paying the rental deposit, the council can link the applicant to other housing focused schemes or bond guarantee programmes. Welfare does not provide any financial aid for that cost. But since the deposit is usually a barrier for many prospective tenants, the council aims to help them too.

To apply for a welfare grant, the post is Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, Kings Court, Chapel Street, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 1EX. Ring 01553 616200 for an appointment.