Apply for the Local Assistance Scheme

The Local Assistance Scheme (LAS) provides Sheffield Independence Grants to support independent living and Sheffield Crisis Grants to help Sheffield residents in crisis situations who aren't receiving help.

Sheffield Independence Grants

These grants are intended to support independent living in the community and don't have to be repaid. They can be used to help people establish themselves in the community or to remain there.

A Sheffield Independence Grant may be used to help people setting up home following a period in institutional care avoid the need to go back into care or to help them cope with exceptionally difficult family circumstances ('exceptional pressure'). For the purposes of the Local Assistance Scheme, an individual or family can be under 'exceptional pressure' when there has been a recent change in their circumstances above and beyond what could normally be expected, and which causes significant additional pressure eg existing severe health problems suddenly getting much worse. It does not include general ongoing financial pressure.

The grant could also provide help with deposits or rents. It can be awarded to help meet the cost of essential household items and services (including travel costs in particular circumstances).

Sheffield Crisis Grants

Crisis grants don't have to be repaid. They're intended to help people who don't have enough money meet their short term needs arising from a crisis following an emergency or disaster. They're used to prevent serious risk to the health and safety of an individual or their family.

Who can apply

This scheme is only available to Sheffield residents who:

• have insufficient income to meet their needs
• are aged 16 years old or over

We may ask you to provide proof of any benefits received and/or bank statements for the last 3 months in order for us to consider your application. These can be provided in person, by post or via email.

If you are asked to provide proof of benefits or bank statements and you do not provide these within the processing time-scale of your application it will be rejected. Further details are available in the Local Assistance Scheme Guidance document.