The Council's Ways to Welfare helpline offers help and emergency support with basics and essentials for people struggling to cope with their current situation. They can also advise on which other financial support you may be entitled to. Call 0300 373 3730 or visit Ways to Welfare.
Household Support Fund (DWP) - This grant is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions, UK Government.
The current Household Support Fund awarded to Cumberland has now been allocated and therefore the online application form has now closed.
Central Government has announced that further funding will be available and we are waiting for the final details on how that will be distributed.
If you find yourself in crisis please contact the Ways to Welfare Service on 0300 373 3730 where further advice can be provided.
If you are worried about money, you can contact Citizens Advice. They can give you free advice on debt, benefits, employment, and housing problems, and make sure you're getting all the support you're entitled to.
Go online at Citizens Advice or call your local office:
- Allerdale 01900 604735.
- Carlisle (for debt and ongoing enquiries) 03300 563037. For new enquiries 0808 278 7844.
- Copeland and Whitehaven 01946 693321.
- Millom 01229 772395.
Cumbria Law Centre can offer free legal advice on housing, debt, employment, and welfare benefits to those on low incomes.
The Money Navigator Tool from Money Helper UK can provide guidance based upon your circumstances.
Benefits Calculators can help you check if you can claim benefits or increase your current benefits, many people are not claiming Pension Credit for example, or are aware that they can receive benefits. Other Benefits calculators are available, and your local Citizens Advice can also help.
Christians Against Poverty is available locally at the following churches, CAP will help anyone regardless of their religious beliefs, Telephone 0800 328 006
- Elim Church, Carlisle
- Church on the Moor, Cleator Moor
- St. John's Church, Hensingham, Whitehaven
- St Andrews, Mirehouse, Whitehaven
- Woodbank Church, Woodhouse, Whitehaven
Cumbria Law Centre can offer free legal advice on housing, debt, employment, and welfare benefits to those on low incomes.
We will be reviewing local transport through Community Panels. There is a range of fares and bargain tickets available for local public transport.
Find information about community transport including - voluntary car scheme, rural, village and community wheels.
Help with travel costs from the Government website gives an overview of the various supports for travelling.
If you need support with Active Travel (walking, cycling) please contact the Travel Actively team.
You might be able to get free NHS prescriptions, dental treatment, eye tests and help with other NHS costs - visit the gov.uk website to find out more.
Under the Think Pharmacy First campaign, some over the counter medicines may be free of charge for common ailments when the recipient is entitled to free prescriptions.
Credit Unions help people save money and can also provide loans at low interest rates. They are an alternative to payday lenders and 'loan sharks' and can help you avoid getting into problem debt. There are three Credit Unions in that cover the whole of Cumbria:
- Carlisle and District Credit Union 01228 594007
- Whitehaven, Egremont and District Credit Union 01946 66755
- Pennine Community Credit Union 01282 691333
The Royal British Legion has launched a grant scheme for veterans and their families who are struggling to pay their energy bills. You can apply for a grant online or call the Royal British Legion on 0808 802 8080.
You could be missing out on money which you never have to pay back. Use the Turn2us Grants search tool and they will match you to grants for which you may be eligible.
Lightening support can do similar. The secure Lightning Reach portal allows you to find and apply for support from multiple providers, quickly and easily.