Benefits and support

Liverpool Citizens Support Scheme

If you find yourself in crisis you can apply for support to get food and necessities for you and your family including gas and electric vouchers (urgent needs) and furniture and household essentials (home needs).

You may need support in an emergency or crisis such as a fire or flood, or you have had to move due to violence or fear of violence. We can also help if you are leaving care or prison, and need support to stay in the community.

We may also be able to waive the green bin collection charge through the scheme if you are struggling financially and in urgent need.  Please refer to the green bin waiver process to check eligibility and apply.

Funding for the scheme is limited and we need to consider the number of people applying for home needs and urgent needs, and what funds are available.

Am I eligible for support?

If you live in Liverpool or you’re moving to the area, you can apply for support if you are over 16 and unemployed or on a low income, or receive any of the following benefits:

  • Income Support
  • Income Based Job Seekers Allowance (JSA)
  • Income related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit only)
  • Tax Credits
  • Personal Independence Payments
  • Universal Credit

Before you apply

We will ask for the following information during the application process. You will need to provide this online when applying for home needs, or over the phone when applying for urgent needs:

  • National Insurance number
  • Details of your income and expenditure
  • Details of people who live with you
  • *Landlord details, if you rent your home
  • Leaving care details, if this applies to you

*Tenants of Registered Social Landlords will not normally be eligible for home needs support including furniture packages, single items and domestic appliances. Support may be provided to those tenants who are care leavers or have exceptional circumstances.

How to apply

Home needs award- apply online

The easiest and quickest way to apply for home needs is online. However, If you are not able to apply online, you can call the urgent needs number below and explain to the adviser the reason you could not apply online.

Remember to upload any supporting evidence when prompted as this will speed up the decision-making process. If you are unable to provide this when applying, please complete the application and send the evidence to us later by emailing LCSS@liverpool.gov.uk.  Please include your application reference in the subject field so we can identify you.

Apply online for a home needs award

Read our privacy notice which tells you how we use your data

Urgent needs award - apply over the phone

Apply for urgent needs over the phone by calling Freephone 0800 456 1523 or 0151 233 3053 Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.

If you are applying on behalf of someone else, you must have the person's consent and they must be present on the call.

How many times can I apply for a home needs or urgent needs award?

There is normally a limit of two awards in a 12-month period following the date you receive your first award. 

If you receive a home needs and urgent needs award as part of your first application, this counts as one award.

However, we know that additional problems or crises occur and in special circumstances we may consider making another award. 

What happens next?

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we aim to process urgent needs within two working days and home needs within 10 working days. If we need more information it may take longer.

If you are unhappy with our decision you can ask for a review by emailing LCSS@liverpool.gov.uk or write to Liverpool Citizen Support Scheme, Revenues and Benefits Service, Cunard Building, Water Street, L3 1AH.

You can also call the Freephone helpline on 0800 456 1523 or 0151 233 3053 Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.

How will I receive an award?

Urgent needs

A voucher is the usual method of payment.

For food and essentials, we will email or text you a voucher code and separate instructions on what you need to do next.

You can redeem energy vouchers for gas and electricity at any  PayPoint outlet across the city. 

If you don't have a mobile or email address, you can ask a named third party, such as Citizens Advice or a social worker, to receive it on your behalf and print it off.

Home needs

Furniture, white goods and household essentials will be supplied by the The Furniture Resource Centre. They will contact you to arrange delivery, which is normally 5 working days from the order date.

Installation is included for gas/electric cookers. 

Household essentials does not include small electrical items, bedding, chest of drawers or other non-essential items.

What if items become damaged or broken?

All white goods are new and come with a 12-month warranty. You should complete and return the warranty to the manufacturer when your goods arrive to validate the warranty. If you don't, faulty items may not be replaced.

Report damages or faults with any other new items to the Furniture Resource Centre on 0151 702 0550 or email sales@frcgroup.co.uk.