Apply for a Local Support Payment

What are Local Support Payments?

Local Support Payments (LSP) are made from a limited pot of funding we have available. It can help:

• tenants moving to new accommodation with the cost of white goods (for example fridges and cookers), furniture, and bedding
• households dealing with exceptional hardship or an emergency with the cost of replacement white goods, furniture, bedding, clothing, fuel key top-up, and food

What are the qualifying conditions?

To be eligible for LSP you must receive a qualifying welfare benefit and have savings of less than £3,000. You are limited to making two LSP applications in any 12 month period.

With one exception, LSP awards will be made as store vouchers that can be used to buy groceries and essential items. The exception is a top-up payment for a key meter which is made through the Post Office.

Claiming if you're moving home

If you are claiming LSP to help with items needed because you are moving home, the new accommodation must either be in Westminster or is accommodation outside the borough the Council has secured for you.

The qualifying benefits are Housing Benefit and the housing allowance included in Universal Credit.

Claiming due to an emergency

If you are claiming LSP to help with costs because of exceptional hardship or an emergency, you must live either in Westminster or in temporary accommodation outside the borough where the Council is your landlord. Exceptional hardship or emergency means dealing with a one-off event that is out of the ordinary.

The qualifying benefits are Income Support, Pension Credit, State retirement pension, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Incapacity Benefit, Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance, Housing Benefit, and Universal Credit.

How do I apply?

If you think that you may qualify for LSP you can apply online. 

If you are having difficulties claiming online, please call 020 7745 6464 and speak to an officer who can complete the application for you over the telephone. The line is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

If you do not qualify for a LSP, we have compiled a list of other help and advice services.