Oxfordshire Residents Support Scheme

The Oxfordshire Residents Support Scheme is a local hardship fund designed to help residents who:

• are in, or at risk of being in, crisis
• need immediate help
• have no other source of financial support available.

Ensure you have explored all other sources of support before applying for this limited fund.

More details of other support options

Available support

Short-term basic living costs such as food and credit for gas/electric prepayment meters.

Essential household items, in some circumstances, include:

• white goods
• furniture
• clothing (in exceptional cases).

The scheme is intended for one-off crisis or emergency needs, not ongoing expenses.

Cash is not usually awarded. Instead:

• PayPoint vouchers (redeemable for cash) or
• bank transfers may be provided if necessary.

Items like furniture or appliances will be purchased through the scheme and delivered directly to your home within five working days. Old items will be removed and new ones installed where applicable.

The scheme also signposts residents to other sources of support and may refer them for advice on financial, debt, or welfare benefits.

Who does the scheme help?

All residents aged 16 years or over can apply. Priority groups include:

• those experiencing or at risk of domestic abuse
• families with young children
• older people
• people with long-term illnesses
• people with disabilities
• people with mental health needs
• households with a pregnant person.

What will not be awarded

• Applications assessed as not an immediate need or where alternative support is available.
• Applications from those with sufficient income or savings.
• Clothing (except in exceptional circumstances such as fleeing home due to flood, fire, or domestic violence).
• Minor structural repairs (landlord or owner responsibility).
• Furniture/household items for furnished private rented or temporary accommodation.
• Specialist disability equipment or adaptations, recliner chairs, wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
• Personal debts (will refer to appropriate agencies).
• Phone costs or associated expenses.

How to apply

You can apply online at any time. You will need to provide information about:

• your address
• who you live with
• your circumstances
• your income
• your health
• what help you are applying for

Limits: A maximum of two awards for food/energy and one award for household items in a 12-month period.

If you cannot access the internet:

• Use free Wi-Fi or PCs in one of our 44 libraries (staff can help).
• Apply by phone: 01865 804171 (Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm, excluding bank holidays).
• For queries or assistance with the application process, please email RSSOxfordshire@necsws.com or call 01865 804171.

How long will it take?

• Cash awards: Decision within one working day.
• Household goods: Decision within five working days.
• Food/energy support will be sent as a voucher via email or text within 1–3 working days of approval.
• For items, you will receive an email or phone call to arrange delivery.

Can I appeal a decision?

If your application is unsuccessful, you have 10 working days from the date of the decision letter to appeal.

You can appeal online or you can write to:
Residents’ Support Scheme
PO Box 352
Hartlepool
TS24 4FH

Note: Appeals cannot be used to request an increase in award size for successful applications.