Although we don’t have any direct funding for helping with things like essential household items and utility bills, there are various organisations that we can apply to on your behalf.

For a grant application for help with an essential household item, generally all that is required is that you fill in the Income and Expenditure form. Please fill this in as accurately as you possibly can, although some things – such as food and housekeeping – can be a rough figure. Some grants of this nature do require certain pieces of evidence and a signature from you, but we will let you know if this is the type of grant we are applying to. Additionally, we do have some information on your personal circumstances, but we may need to call you to get some more contextual information in order to complete the application.

With an application for help with utility arrears, much more information is required. We need to make copies or scans of all of the following, which additionally must, where possible, be dated within the last three months.

• The most recent bank statement you have to indicate that your finances are not at a level at which you can pay back the arrears.
• Evidence of any utility debts. The debt you are looking for help with is the most important, but it would help to have details of any money you currently owe so they can have a fully idea of your situation.
• Evidence of all benefits that everyone in the household is receiving. Again, as recent as possible is preferred.
• If possible, although not essential, some details of any medical conditions that people in the house have.

Please make clear your name and what you are applying for. This is enough to complete a grant application for a essential household item but, for the EDF Energy Trust application, please bring in your documents to scan/copy. Any member of staff will be happy to assist you with this.

As a final note, there are some reasons why we at Southwark Carers, upon receiving your information, might not be able to complete a grant application. This could be for a number of reasons – for instance, if we do not deem the need to be severe, or if we currently do not have capacity to complete the grant application. In these situations, we will always provide information about alternative help and assistance that is available.

Income and Expenditure form