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No cost · No debt · No judgement

Apply for assistance

We’re here to help. Tell us a little about your situation and what you need, and we’ll be in touch to discuss how we can support you. All applications are treated with complete confidence.

Before you apply

Are you eligible?

Please check the criteria below before completing the form. Please note, we are unable to accept postal applications.

Before you apply, you will need to be referred by someone from a 3rd party organisation – this could be your housing officer, Citizens Advice, Women’s Aid, your social worker, the Council, etc. Please ask them to complete our online referral form.

Live in our region

You must be a resident of Herefordshire, Worcestershire or Shropshire, for at least 3 months.

In genuine need

You must be in receipt of benefits or a low income.

Essential item

The item or service must be essential and sourced from a local supplier.

Over 18

You must be aged over 18 years of age.

Before you begin

Documents you'll need

Please have the following documents ready to upload as part of your application. Each one helps us understand your situation and process your request as quickly as possible.

1

Copy of bank statement

A complete, recent bank statement dated within the last 3 months. It must show your name, address, and all income and outgoings for at least 30 days. You can download one as a PDF from most online banking apps, or send us a clear photo or screenshot of a paper statement.

If you're unable to upload your documents, you can email them to us separately:

enquiries@nils.org.uk
2

Proof of benefits

A recent benefit statement dated within the last 3 months. You can download this as a PDF from your online journal, or provide a photo or screenshot of a paper statement.

3

Statement of referral

If you're seeking a grant, you'll need a referral from a supporting agency — for example a social worker, housing officer, local food bank, Citizens Advice officer or NHS worker.

If you're from a referral agency, please complete our referral form:

Complete the referral form

Please do not attach a referral to this application form.

Application

Tell us about your situation

Complete the form below and a member of our team will contact you within 2–3 working days. All enquiries are confidential.
Apply for Assistance Form
  • About you
  • Dependants & employment
  • Incomings & savings
  • Outgoings & debts
  • Your circumstances
  • Request & evidence
  • Confirmations & Submit

What happens next

We receive your application and a team member reviews it.

We’ll contact you within 2–3 working days to discuss your situation.

If approved, we contact your chosen local supplier directly.

The item or service is arranged on your behalf. Nothing to repay.

Being referred by a professional? Ask them to complete the referral form on your behalf — it can help speed up your application.
Make a referral