Islington residents urged to apply for hardship grants as council expands eligibility criteria
Islington Town Hall. Photograph: Islington Citizen
People struggling with bills are being urged to apply for grants from a £500,000 pot of money from the Town Hall.
Islington Council opened its £1m hardship fund with grants of £250 for rents back in April, and has since extended the closing deadline.
The scheme aims to help renters on low incomes with very little savings to buffer them against rising costs.
It comes on top of the 95 per cent council tax discount for 26,000 of the worst-off households.
It has paid £166,250 in the one-off grants given to people who applied, as well as £301,750 in targeted grants to people the council already knew were in need.
The council has now widened the scheme to appeal to more people and said that some people who have already applied and were turned down could now be eligible.
People on Universal Credit and housing benefit and those who live in flatshares or houses of multiple occupation can now apply.
Mature students aged 25 or over could also benefit.
The council is contacting nearly 2,800 residents on Universial Credit or housing benefit to invite them to check if they are now eligible for the one-off grant.
The fund will close once all the remaining money is given out.
Applicants must provide proof of the rent they pay, the most recent bank statement detailing of the savings of every household member, and their earnings.
The council aims to process applications within 10 working days and will pay money directly into people’s bank accounts.
People can contact the council on 0207 527 8222 or HereToHelp@islington.gov.uk if they need help completing their application.