If you are in severe financial hardship

Local Welfare Assistance (LWA) could help you in limited cases if you or your family are in severe financial hardship, especially if there is a risk to health or safety.

The fund does not give out cash payments, but may provide:

• a referral to the local food bank
• help with fuel payments

The fund is discretionary, there is no statutory right to support. We will help you if you are able to demonstrate that you cannot access any other form of financial help or assistance.

Who can apply

We may be able to help if you:

• resident in Luton
• do not have access to enough resources to prevent a serious risk to your own or your family’s health or safety
• do not have access to savings that you could use to meet the need

You can also apply if you're on a low or reduced income or entitled to a qualifying benefit such as:

• Income Support
• Universal Credit
• Income-based Jobseekers allowance
• Income-related Employment Support allowance
• Pension Credit
• Housing Benefit
• Council Tax Reduction

Who cannot apply

We cannot help you if:

• you cannot prove you are a resident of Luton
• you have been housed in Luton by another local authority
• you do not provide proof of your circumstances (if requested)
• other resources are available to you

How to apply

Telephone: 0800 456 1673 or 01582 510332

If you are in crisis or have an emergency when our phone lines are closed you should call an emergency contact.

What happens next

We'll assess your application to see if you are eligible for assistance.

You must make sure you provide a contact telephone number and email address.

We may have to contact you for further information. We may ask you to provide proof of your circumstances, such as:

• bank statements
• proof of residency

We will call or email you once a decision is made. You should check your emails regularly. 

Our telephone number may not display on your phone, so make sure you answer all calls or have a messaging facility. We will not make numerous attempts to contact you.

Other sources of help

Search the Luton directory for local services supporting vulnerable adults, families and children, and young people.

For more information, read our policy on the scheme.