Wellbeing Fund
Life can be unpredictable, and we’re here to help when you need it most. The Wellbeing Fund offers flexible support for essentials like food, school uniforms, and energy bills. It can even help while you’re waiting for your first benefit payment.
You can also apply for help to purchase an essential household item, along with additional and special project support as explained in the framework below.
Our Wellbeing Fund is open to all Platform customers who are experiencing financial hardship and need short-term support.
The Fund can help cover essential food and energy costs, especially if you are waiting for your first benefit payment. You can also apply for help to purchase an essential household item, along with additional and special project support as explained in the framework below.
Are you eligible?
You may qualify for the Wellbeing Fund if:
- You receive a means‑tested benefit, have a low income, or can show financial hardship.
- You cannot afford an essential, urgent need.
- You can provide income and spending details.
- You’ve explored other support options.
- You are working with (or willing to work with) support services.
- You confirm you’ve read and understood the eligibility criteria.
Our Wellbeing Fund Framework
You can include essential food, energy support, and household essentials in your application. You can also choose one additional type of support from the options listed below.
We can only consider items that are included in the framework shown below.
We will also look at any previous applications you’ve made. Please be aware that the fund is limited, so support is not guaranteed.
Each household can apply for one food voucher per year, starting from the date of their last award (subject to eligibility).
One energy voucher application is allowed per year, starting from the date of their last award (subject to eligibility).
Examples of eligible household items include:
- School uniforms
- Interview clothing
- Household cleaning products
- Toiletries
- Kitchen/utility essentials (non electrical)
Only one essential household items voucher application per household is allowed per year, starting from the date of their last award (subject to eligibility).
Additional Support
The Wellbeing Fund can also offer additional support for practical and digital needs that can help with day-to-day life, wellbeing and getting into work or training.
Applications are assessed on an individual basis. Subject to eligibility, only one award from this part of the fund can be made during the lifetime of the fund.
You can apply for items of furniture, which are currently limited to:
- Bed/Mattress
Only one of the following can be chosen:
- Washing machine
- Cooker
- Fridge freezer
- Microwave or air fryer
- Classes
- Activities
- Groups
- Devices
- Other digital needs
- Training or tuition
- Interview travel costs
- New job costs (travel)
Special Projects
If you are a charity or organisation and are looking for some extra support to deliver an essential project that will help improve your local community, we may be able to help. The Wellbeing Fund has already supported a number of charities and organisation with things like: contributions towards community building upgrades/refurbishments, equipment, and other project delivery costs.
How can I apply?
To apply for the wellbeing fund you can:
- Complete the form below or;
- Call our customer service team on 0333 200 7304 if you need help with an application, or
- Speak to your Rent or Neighbourhood Officer who can apply on your behalf.
Wellbeing Fund FAQs
We’ll aim to respond within 10 working days. If you haven’t heard from us after that, please give us a call.
Our team will review your request and may call you if we need more details. Please note, calls are recorded.
You will be sent vouchers via email or post for essentials and beds.
If you are awarded a kitchen appliance, this will be ordered and delivery arranged for you.
Once you receive an item, it’s yours to look after. If it develops a fault, you’ll need to contact the manufacturer directly.
Appliances also come with a warranty. Be sure to register your product.
If you have a problem with your voucher after following the advice given, please get in touch with us.
Previous applications will be taken into account and there is a limit to support available through this fund. We’ll always provide a reason if you’re application is not accepted.
If you are declined help from the Wellbeing Fund, it will be for one of the following reasons:
- You have sufficient funds
- You have already applied for essentials within the last 12 months, and you are applying again
- You have already been awarded for something that comes under extra support
- You’ve reached the Fund’s support limit
- What you have asked for help with is not covered by the Wellbeing Fund
Yes, if you’re worried about money, benefits, or keeping up with essential bills, we’re here for you. We offer free, confidential support to help you understand your options, improve your financial situation, and make sure you get the right advice when you need it.
Depending on what’s best for you, our teams can support you directly or connect you with specialist services.
If you’re struggling to pay your rent or other bills, please reach out. You can contact us by completing the form at the bottom of the Money and Benefits Advice page, or by calling 0333 200 7304 and asking for our Successful Tenancies Team, who will be happy to help.
