Swindon assistance fund
Our emergency assistance fund provides emergency assistance to Swindon residents who need it:
- where there has been an unexpected serious emergency or crisis, and there is a significant risk of harm to you or your family if no assistance is given
- where a vulnerable person in the community needs help with basic housing needs or food to prevent homelessness or hardship
- where you or your family requires assistance moving into, or remaining in the community
If you can't afford supplies due to extreme financial hardship, and you do not have a support network, we may be able to help by providing one of the following:
- Providing food vouchers or bags
- Signpost you to local food banks
- Support with gas or electricity costs
- Refer you to Citizens Advice Swindon
Our staff will call you within 3 working days of receiving an online application to discuss the option that best suits your situation.
For our emergency fund you will need to meet our criteria for eligibility.
This means you must:
- have been a resident of Swindon for at least six months, or have a strong connection with the borough if you are homeless
- be in receipt of or likely to be entitled to means-tested benefits or tax credits, and be on a low income. There are thresholds for income that must be met, depending on the size of your household.
- not have any savings, access to other monies or affordable source of funding, or other means of accessing support
Please note: We do not give cash or make direct payments.
How to apply
To apply for emergency assistance, please complete the online form and a member of our team will call you within 3 working days.
You will need to provide your National Insurance number. You also need to upload the following documents:
- Proof of identification, Council Tax bill, last two months’ bank statements and proof of loss of earnings
Please note: If you apply for this emergency fund, your application will also be considered for assistance through the Household Support Fund if available. You do not need to apply separately for both schemes.
You can also contact a registered partner organisation for any type of application. They can help you to complete it or apply on your behalf.
These registered partner organisations include:
- charities
- Citizens Advice
- health services
- housing associations
- council housing officers
- prison services
If you are not sure who can help you, contact Swindon Borough Council emergency fund on 01793 445500 or contact Citizens Advice.