Local Support Payments (LSP) are designed to help residents of Kensington and Chelsea, Westminster, and Hammersmith & Fulham who are facing an immediate emergency or crisis event, or who need support to remain or settle in the community.
This is a discretionary, non-statutory scheme with no automatic entitlement. Each application is considered individually. Awards are provided in the form of furniture, white goods, or store vouchers and must be used immediately to resolve the crisis or emergency event.
- Eligibility: You must be claiming (or about to claim) a qualifying benefit, live in one of the three boroughs (or have been housed elsewhere by them via Temporary Accommodation), and have limited savings (£1,000 for RBKC and LBHF residents, £3,000 for Westminster residents). As a rule, only two awards/crisis events can be considered in any 12 months.
- Qualifying benefits include: Income Support, Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Pension Credit, Incapacity Benefit, Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance, and maximum Universal Credit (where the latest award has not been reduced by earnings or other income).
- How to apply: You can apply online for Kensington and Chelsea or Westminster, or by phone. If you have difficulties applying online, an officer can assist you over the phone.
- Important: Vouchers must be used immediately and only for the items awarded. Unused vouchers will be cancelled.
If you do not qualify, the council provides a list of other help and advice services.
Cost: This service is free for eligible applicants.
Contact: The Local Support Payment phone line is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Applications can also be made online outside office hours.