The aim of the Local Assistance Scheme is to support independent living and help Sheffield residents in crisis situations with an identified need that cannot be met from another source. Help will be available to people who receive certain benefits or are assessed to have insufficient income to meet their needs.
The scheme was set up following the abolition of some parts of the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) Social Fund (Community Care Grants and Crisis Loans).
While the Local Assistance Scheme is quite similar to the Social Fund in purpose, it is not the same scheme and has its own policy, rules and awards.
The Local Assistance Scheme has two types of award:
1) Sheffield Independence Grants
Sheffield Independence Grants are to support independent living in the community. They can be used to help people establish themselves in the community or to remain there. For example they may be used to help people setting up home following a period in institutional care, avoid the need to go into care or cope with exceptionally difficult family circumstances. A Sheffield Independence Grant can be awarded to help with the cost of essential household items and services (including travel costs in particular circumstances).
Sheffield Independence Grants do not have to be paid back.
2) Sheffield Crisis Grants
Sheffield Crisis Grants are intended to help people who do not have enough money to meet their short term needs arising from a crisis. They are used to prevent serious risk to the health and safety of an individual or their family.
Sheffield Crisis Grants do not have to be paid back.
You can find more detailed information about Sheffield Independence Grants and Sheffield Crisis Grants in the guide: Local Assistance Scheme Guidance for Applicants
