Client Hardship Service
Previously known as the Norfolk Assistance Scheme and Money Support Service, the Client Hardship Service is an amalgamation of the prior services to enhance the financial support provided and deliver a one-stop financial support customer journey for vulnerable people.
The new service supports Norfolk residents facing financial crisis addressing living cost needs and underlying issues leading to financial hardship through budgeting and referrals to support organisations. The team assess each application individually to make sure that residents in crisis receive the best support for their unique situation from our partner organisations and other voluntary sector organisations.
Client Hardship Service offer:
- Providing vouchers to those that are unable to heat or power their homes
- Providing vouchers for supermarkets or community supermarkets for food
- Delivering household items to people setting up home as part of a planned resettlement programme or leaving an institution.
- Warm referrals to support workers, advice organisations and voluntary agencies to provide a wraparound support service and prevent further crisis occurring.
- Money-management and budgeting support and advice, involving helping people identify income and outgoings, supporting grant applications, providing cost comparisons for utilities and supporting with switching to cheaper providers or tariffs.
- Connecting people to debt agencies and supporting them with any initial appointments.
- Supporting people with Disability Related Expenses claims – these can reduce the amount that people must pay towards their care.
There is more information on the Norfolk Assistance Scheme webpage. If people are digitally excluded, they can call Customer Services on 0344 800 8020 who will complete an application on their behalf.
Professionals can continue to request budgeting support for clients using the MSS Finance Request in LAS. Alternatively if you can contact Client Hardship Team email mss.referrals@norfolk.gov.uk, Tel: 01603 306131 Option 1 or complete the NCAN referral form.
