Support with Finances

Provided by the Department for Work and Pensions, was introduced in October 2021 to support vulnerable households with essentials like food and energy costs. 

Round five of the Household Support Fund launched on Tuesday 2 April 2024 and will run to Monday 30 September 2024. Round five of the scheme focuses on helping Salford residents with food, fuel and energy due to the cost of living crisis. 

This scheme is discretionary, and the funds will be used to support households in the most need. This particularly includes those who may not be eligible for other support made available by government. 

Life can sometimes throw the unexpected at you. Salford Assist is a Salford City Council scheme that can offer short term support to people who are in a crisis, emergency or major disaster situation. These situations can mean that you are unable to meet the basic needs of yourself or your family. 

Salford Assist doesn’t offer cash payments, but would consider your immediate needs and try to help with essential items such as: 

• a referral for baby milk, nappies or food for your baby and your family 
• essential furniture items, for example a bed, or white goods 
• shopping vouchers 
• help with emergency supply of gas or electric where there is no heating in the household 
• advice and referrals to another service, agency or fund 
• council tax support 
• copies of birth certificates for homeless people 

Entitlement to Free School Meals (FSM) is subject to local authority approval (based on current legislation). The FSM allowance covers the cost of a standard meal and is only available at lunchtime. Additional funds should be added if your child wishes to purchase other items.  

Further information, and how to apply, for Free School Meals can be found on the City of Salford’s website or by telephone on 0161 909 6508. 

Registering for free school meals can help the Academy - If your child is eligible for free school meals and does not want to have a free school lunch, please still register.  Schools receive a 'pupil premium' - an extra payment for each eligible child, which they can spend on useful services which your child can benefit from.