Customer Support Fund

The Customer Support Fund offers one off grants of between £20 and £400. They're available to mhs homes and Heart of Medway customers experiencing significant financial difficulties and who can't afford essential household costs.

Grants available

Fast track grants up to £100

These smaller grants can be paid quickly for emergency items such as food, electricity, or gas.

Main grants from £101 up to £400

Larger grants can be used to cover one off costs for essential items and services, such as:

• White goods - fridge/freezers, washing machines, ovens, microwaves
• Clothing/School Uniforms
• Travel costs
• Essential furniture e.g. beds, sofa, cooking utensils, bedding
• Utility Bills – gas, electricity
• Mobile phone, internet access

We'll consider grants for other costs that aren't listed above, but the applicant needs to demonstrate why they need the funding.

Grant eligibility

To be eligible the applicant must:

• Be an mhs homes or Heart of Medway customer – this includes those living in supported accommodation, homeowners, and private rent
• Be over 18 years of age
• Have less than £500 available credit in their bank account (including joint tenants account)
• Not have been awarded a grant from the customer support fund in the current financial year
• Not be in significant breach of their tenancy agreement

Applications can be made on behalf of one of our customers, as long as the customer gives their permission to do so.

Applying for a grant

Before you start your application, here's some of the information you'll need:

• Your details and information on the people you live with
• Proof of income
• Three months banks statements (including anyone you live with over the age of 18)
• Proof of bills/debts
• Quotes for any items you wish to purchase

If you prefer you can phone us on 01634 565333 and our trained Customer Team will help you fill in an application form and apply for a grant.

Assessing your application and awarding the grant

Fast track grants up to £100 for emergency items such as food, electricity, or gas will be assessed within five working days. 

• Grants for prepayments meters will be paid by voucher through the Fuel Bank Foundation at a value of £49
• Vouchers will be given for food grants

Applications for our main grants from £101 up to £400 for other essential items will be assessed at a monthly meeting.

• We will purchase items on behalf of the customer
• For bill payments, we'll pay the bill on behalf of the customer

Unsuccessful applicants can reapply.

Successful applicants cannot reapply until the new financial year.

Further ongoing support

Medway Household Support Fund offer grants of up to £210 for food and can also help with electricity and gas bills.

Kent Household Support Fund. You can apply until 31 March 2023, or until the budget is spent. If you're eligible you can receive a £100 voucher towards your energy bills.

Step Change offer free and impartial advice to help deal with debts

Entitledto to offer a free benefits calculator to see how much Universal Credit and other benefits you may be eligible for. 

Citizens Advice have a Money Advice Service to help you deal with debts, talk about your financial situation and difficulties and help you to budget.