We accept applications from, or on behalf of, people who are in financial difficulties. The person receiving the funds must:

· Be over the age of 16.

· Live in Milton Keynes

· Be struggling to meet immediate and essential needs for themselves or their dependents.

At least a third of the funding is ring-fenced to support those making an application. The remaining total of funding will support Households with Children through food vouchers and will also go to outreach programmes where the council and their partners will proactively approach those falling into hardship.

You can apply online via our Local Welfare Application form.

Applications can be made by the applicant, their representative or a third party acting on their behalf.

Applying using the application forms above is the quickest and most direct route to access support. If you don’t have access to the internet, please call 01908 253040.

To assess applications, we will need details about the applicant and members of their households and the reasons why an application is being made. To support an application we may need to see one, or more of the following:

· Income and savings information.

· Bank statements.

· Receipts.

· Other information to allow us to make an informed decision.

As part of the application process applicants will be asked to give an indication of the amount of financial support they require. When the application is being assessed the Officer will determine how much will be awarded, however it will not always be possible to provide the full amount requested due to the limited funds and spending requirements set.

There is no right of appeal against a decision not to make an award, or about the amount of an award. If you are not happy with the outcome, you can ask us to review your application within five days of our decision.

Requests for a review should be made in writing and must state the reasons why you do not agree with the decision and why you are asking for a review. The review will be conducted by a senior officer who was not involved in the original decision.

You will be notified of the outcome of the review within 14 days of your request.

We must make sure that all applications are made legitimately.

If you falsely declare your circumstances, provide a false statement or provide false evidence in support of your application, you may have committed an offence under the Fraud Act 2006.

We have a zero-tolerance approach to fraud and financial irregularity. All suspicions of fraud relating to this scheme will be referred to Milton Keynes Police.

The Council have applied a ringfenced approach to the Government Funds to ensure applications can be received throughout the year.

Applications will cover the full remit of the fund in supporting customers with Food, Energy and Essential living costs where applicable.

The Council will work with schools as part of the outreach programme to support with food vouchers in the holidays alongside HAF programmes.

We will support local food charities in funding the increased demand they are receiving.

The Council has invested in the Better Off Calculator to help guide customers to the right financial choices to improve their circumstances over the long term.

The Council will work with local support networks such as the Job Centre, CAB and NEF to ensure our staff are well informed in supporting the public.

The Council holds monthly panels to assess those in exceptional circumstances,  that need help with housing costs that other government funds cannot support.