Application
To apply for a Housing Payment applicants can use the online application through the Citizens Access Portal.
If further evidence or information is required the normal time limit for provision is 1 calendar month from submission. If the information is not supplied the claim will be treated as defective
A HP can be backdated if the applicant had a good reason that is considered reasonable for the delay in making the DHP claim (for example they were in hospital etc). The Housing Payment can only be considered for a period where the linked HB or relevant award of UC is payable, however this also means if HB or UC Housing Costs are backdated the HP could also be awarded from that date.
To apply for a Crisis Payment applicants can use the Essential Living Fund application available on the Councils website.
The application will generally be treated as received the date it is submitted. If further evidence or information is required the normal time limit for provision is 1 calendar month from submission. If the information is not supplied the claim will be treated as defective.
Both applications are available 24/7.
Applications can be made by claimants, appointees or any other person acting on the claimant's behalf such as a relative or supportive departments (with claimants permission)
Resilience Services will be provided for people applying for a Crisis Payment and via the grant fund allocation to Citizen Advice (CA) and Southend Emergency Fund (SAVS).
Where appropriate warm referrals will be used to pass applicants between any of the providers as above and the Council or vice versa.