Local welfare assistance

Local welfare assistance is a discretionary support scheme. The fund is there to help people to try to maintain an independent life or for those facing an immediate financial crisis.

The Department of Work and Pensions has also provided Ealing Council with additional funding under its Household Support Fund to support households who would otherwise struggle to buy food or pay for essential utility bills or meet other essential living costs.

This additional funding has been extended until 31 March 2024 and the council has temporarily expanded its eligibility criteria for Local Welfare Assistance payments to support residents in need of additional financial assistance.

The local welfare assistance team can also help with debt advice, budgeting and improving chances of finding a job. Your financial award may be dependent on you attending a session to help in these areas.

If we reject your application, we will provide you with advice and may signpost you to other organisations for help. 

Applying for local welfare assistance

Different rules apply depending on what you are claiming for, but you must be an Ealing resident and be able to provide supporting evidence to make a successful claim.

Apply for local welfare assistance

Awards are made using a pre-paid card or by a bank transfer.

You may also be offered a food voucher to redeem at a local foodbank.

Other help available

Your needs may be better provided for from other sources.

Furniture and other household items can also be found by using community groups and reuse organisations.

Please look at the following websites which may be able to provide the assistance that you are looking for.

Discretionary housing payments and discretionary council tax discount

You can also ask for help with a rent deposit and/or rent in advance, moving costs, or help with your council tax. Discretionary housing payments can help with a rent shortfall and or arrears of rent if you are already in receipt of housing benefit/universal credit (housing costs element). For help with the above please apply for a discretionary award.

Personal budgeting support

  • are you struggling to pay your rent or council tax?
  • are you in arrears with gas, electric or water payments?
  • do you have other debts?
  • are you worried about managing your money, do you need help with budgeting?

For a free personal budgeting support session, email localwelfareassistance@ealing.gov.uk with your contact details. Start to take control of your finances today.

Details of how we collect and share your information can be found in the local welfare assistance privacy notice.