Apply for emergency money
Contents
Emergency grants from Southwark Council
Charities that can tell you about a range of grants you can apply for
Get funding help from local charities
National funds you can apply to for money or living essentials
Get a grant through a housing association scheme
How to apply for cost of living money from Southwark Council, or from a local or national charity including for:
- household essentials or clothing
- if you or your child have a disability
- young people in education.
Charitable grants are gifts of money that you don't have to pay back. Sometimes you can get grants in other ways, for example as furniture, equipment, or a voucher.
Emergency grants from Southwark Council
If you need emergency money to help with the cost of living or for another reason, there are Council funds you can apply for depending on your need and circumstances.
If you receive welfare benefits
If you or your partner receive one of the following means-tested welfare benefits or have applied for one of these benefits in the last six weeks and await a decision, you can apply for help from the Southwark Emergency Support Scheme if you need help dealing with a crisis, emergency or disaster.
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Employment & Support Allowance (income based)
- Jobseekers Allowance (income based)
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit
If you don't receive welfare benefits
If you:
- aren't claiming one of the means-tested welfare benefits listed in the previous section; and
- have a household income of around £20k after taxes and housing costs
you can apply for help from the Southwark Cost of Living Fund if you face hardship because you can't afford to pay for food, energy, or other essentials.
Charities that can tell you about a range of grants you can apply for
Turn 2 Us is a national charity that helps people in financial need get welfare benefits, charitable grants and other financial help. You can search the Turn 2 Us grants database to see what support you can apply for.
Get funding help from local charities
United St Saviour's Southwark has created a funding guide to help residents and community groups find local and national funding (see section called ‘funders’ on the United St Saviour's Charity resources page).
Grants for older adults or children and adults with a disability or illness
Mary Minet Trust is a small grant-making charity that supports older adults or children and adults with a disability or illness in Southwark and Lambeth. A public or voluntary sector organisation must apply on your behalf by completing an application and consent form which they can get by:
- emailing admin@maryminettrust.org.uk, or
- texting 07982 451 082 (text only)
Grants for adults in Southwark
St George the Martyr Charity supports people experiencing financial hardship, and older adults living in the former Metropolitan Borough of Southwark (roughly Borough, Bankside, Walworth and Newington).
- If you’re over 55 you can contact the charity directly.
- If you’re under 55 you need a referral from a public or voluntary sector organisation.
St George the Martyr Charity also runs a fund which provides small grants for items, services or facilities to support people with a disability or ill health in the same areas as above plus Bermondsey and Rotherhithe.
Southwark Charities runs a membership scheme for residents aged 55+. Benefits can include participation in a programme of annual activities and social events, cash gifts and holidays.
Grants to support young people in education
Newcomen Collett Foundation is a small local charity that provides grants to support Southwark young people in education under the age of 25.
St Olave’s Foundation supports Southwark students under 25 in higher/further education, apprenticeships or other educational activities. In the past they’ve given grants for laptops, printers, books and expenses associated with vocational training and musical instruments.
National funds you can apply to for money or living essentials
Glasspool provides small grants for household items and essential clothing e.g. bedding, white goods, clothing, furniture. You need to ask your housing officer, Citizens Advice Southwark or a charity to submit an application on your behalf.
Family Fund supports UK families who are raising a disabled or seriously ill child or young person aged 17 or under.
Get a grant through a housing association scheme
Many housing associations offer hardship grants and support to tenants in need. If you're a housing association tenant, get in touch with your landlord to find out what support is available.
Page last updated: 30 January 2023
