Norfolk Assistance Scheme

The Norfolk Assistance Scheme (NAS) helps people who are unable to meet their immediate needs or need practical support to set up home.

There are many people in our community who need this support, and even more so during the coronavirus outbreak.

The scheme can therefore help people who are struggling because of coronavirus, for example those who have been furloughed, are on reduced hours or have been made redundant. We've put in extra support to help people this winter.

Please note: due to current demand for the winter support scheme, we are experiencing a high volume of applications. It is currently taking us up to 3 working days to process applications.

Support over winter

If you're struggling this winter because of coronavirus, NAS can help you with food, paying your bills and money for everyday essentials.

The support we offer is for two weeks to begin with. However, if you need more long-term help after that, we can work with you to access further support and find out what other help you might be eligible for.

This winter support is also available to help if you are self-isolating, either because you have coronavirus symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive. Remember – you can contact us as many times over the winter as you need to.

Other support

The scheme can also help you if you can’t meet your everyday needs and are struggling for reasons other than coronavirus.

It can also help you with household items like white goods or beds if you're having to move house if, for example, you're fleeing domestic violence or moving out of care and into the community.

Can I get help?

You must be a Norfolk resident aged 16 or over to apply to the scheme and when you apply we'll ask you a some questions to check if you’re eligible.

You may be eligible if you:

Have been financially affected by Covid-19, including reduced income or redundancy
Are on a low income or receive income-related benefits, such as Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance
Have dependent children
Have a disability or mental health problem
Are fleeing domestic violence
Need help to remain in the community
Are part of a planned resettlement scheme

We may also ask you to provide evidence to support your application, such as bank statements, payslips, or any other evidence we think we need.

How to apply

You can apply here by filling in our online form below. Here is some guidance to help you fill out the form.

Apply for the scheme online

You can save your application at any point and come back to it later.

When you click on the save button it will take you to a page with a code and instructions on how to come back to your application. If you have already entered your email address on the form, we can send you these details by email.

The code is valid for 5 days after which it will expire. If your code does expire, you will need to reapply. Take a note of this code as without it you won't be able to reopen your application and will have to start again.

Return to saved application

If you apply online and haven't been contacted after 10 days, contact your support worker or the Norfolk Assistance Scheme team on 01603 223392 (Option 5). If you have problems completing the form online then you can visit your local library or call us on 0344 800 8020.

What happens when I apply?

One of our advisors will give you a call to discuss your situation and to let you know what support you can get. If we can help you our advisor can do one or more of the following things:

Work out how much we can give for your daily expenses: we'll give you a payment in cash either through Paypoint or a BACS transfer to your bank account. If you're unwell, or disabled or elderly and unable to go out, you can designate a trusted family member or friend who can receive your payment and do your shopping for you.
Order a food or essentials package for you. This could be either click and collect’ that you or a friend or family member can collect from a supermarket, a supermarket online delivery or a direct delivery of a food or essentials package
Organise delivery of essential household items such as white goods and beds.

If we can’t help you, we will suggest other organisations or schemes that might be able to.

Contact

For new applications please call 0344 800 8020.

For existing applications call Norfolk Assistance Scheme queries, call 01603 223392 (option 5). Please be patient, as we are experiencing high call volumes.

See our Norfolk Assistance Scheme policy for more details about the scheme.