Local Welfare Scheme

The aim of our Local Welfare scheme is to support residents who:

are facing unexpected costs
need emergency help

The scheme:

provides a short term and one-off form of support
is offered in the event of an emergency or crisis when family, friends, charities, or insurance cannot help
helps to minimise the risk of harm to vulnerable residents and their household

Payments

This scheme can provide one-off payments in emergencies.

It helps to ease the financial pressure for residents in Bracknell, who have low income and are most in need.

The scheme offers a one-off payment directly to your bank or building society account.

The payments are:

single person - £120
couple - £200
family with dependent children under the age of 18 - £250

Who can apply

To be eligible, applicants must:

be 16 years of age
have the right to reside in the United Kingdom
have lived in Bracknell Forest for the past 6 months continuously or 3 out of the last 5 years
be in receipt of a qualifying state benefit or low income
be able to demonstrate, through a financial assessment, that they are unable to meet the costs of the emergency
be able to demonstrate that it has not been possible to secure support from other means
be able to demonstrate other exceptional circumstances apply such as fleeing domestic abuse or leaving residential care

Qualifying benefits include:

Universal Credit
Income Support
Income based Jobseekers Allowance
Income based Employment and Support Allowance
Pension Credit
Housing Benefit
Council Tax Support

Low income is defined as earnings less than £423.46 a week for a family or £283.71 a week for a single adult.

Who cannot apply

The following people are not eligible and should not apply:

Those who have their living needs provided for them. For example, a person in hospital or in a care home, a prisoner, a member of a religious order or a person in residential education. Except in cases where they are about to leave and return to the local community and can demonstrate a connection to Bracknell.
Those who have capital or savings of more than £500 (not including the value of their home) and who have access to those funds. Except in cases where the cost of the emergency item exceeds this - for example a replacement boiler.
Those who are subject to immigration control or who have no recourse to public funds.
Those who have earnings of more than the benefit cap of:
1. £423.46 per week for a family
2. £283.71 per week for a single adult
Applicants who have received an award from the Local Welfare Scheme in the past 12 month period. Except in cases of those who have been referred to the foodbank where 6 applications to the foodbank may be considered in a 12 month period.

How to apply

Apply using our online form.

Apply for our Local Welfare Scheme

We aim to process applications in 10 working days of receipt of all relevant information.

Circumstances in which award will not be considered

In certain circumstances, support with immediate needs may be better met from another source. In such cases, we will signpost applicants to the source of help best suited to their needs.

Household item or repair

If the need relates to a household item or repair, that would be the responsibility of the landlord or owner of the property. The applicant will be supported to approach the responsible party for help. The award will not be considered if the applicant has refused to seek support from the responsible party or has failed to seek to resolve the situation directly.

Rent deposit or rent in advance

If the need relates to a rent deposit or rent in advance, the applicant will be directed to the Housing Options team for advice and guidance.

Reviewing unsuccessful applications

This is a discretionary scheme and not every application will be successful. The scheme may close if funding exhausts before the end of March 2025.

There is no statutory right of review in this scheme. Applicants unsatisfied with the outcome of an application, may request a review.

To request a review, you must:

email lwp@bracknell-forest.gov.uk within 5 days of the notification of the award
state the reasons that the applicant disagrees with the decision
provide supporting evidence that may be relevant

We will notify applicants of the outcome of a review within 14 days of receipt of the request.

This decision will be final, and no further reviews will be accepted.

Financial inclusion and further support

Bracknell’s Local Welfare Scheme is only one form of support. Where applicable, we may refer you to third parties such as Citizens Advice for additional support.

If you would like to find out about benefits or other forms of support that may be available, the following websites offer advice and support: