North Yorkshire Local Assistance Fund (NYLAF)

What is the North Yorkshire Local Assistance Fund?

The North Yorkshire Local Assistance Fund provides in-kind support for North Yorkshire residents experiencing financial hardship working with authorised agents from trusted organisations who can make referrals, submit applications and provide longer-term assistance.

Who can apply?

You may be eligible if you meet all of the following criteria:

• are aged 16 or over
• live in or are moving to North Yorkshire
• receive a means-tested benefit or have a household income below £16,105 and less than £1,000 in savings
• have exhausted all other forms of support
• are currently being supported by an authorised agent with one or more from the following list:
  • homelessness
  • learning or physical disability
  • mental health challenges
  • recently released from prison
  • victim of domestic abuse
  • carer
  • drug or alcohol dependency
  • families under exceptional pressure

What support can I access?

There are two different types of support available:

• food and utility vouchers (supermarket vouchers and electricity or gas meter top-ups)
• other essential items - furniture, white goods (cooker, washing machine), clothing vouchers, household items

How can I apply for food and utility vouchers?

For food or utility vouchers you can apply directly by calling Family Fund Business Services on 01904 550030. You will need to provide proof of eligibility and your address. Calls can last around 20 minutes and vouchers are sent by text or email. Please check against the eligibility criteria before you apply.

Assistance with other essential items

If you are currently being supported by a council service - such as adult or children's social care, living well, housing, or an authorised agent - you can ask them about accessing emergency support through the North Yorkshire Local Assistance Fund. This can help to pay for essential items like furniture, white goods such as a cooker or washing machine, clothing vouchers, or other household necessities. 

If you would like to know more about authorised agents, please contact nylaf@northyorks.gov.uk

Am I able to apply more than once?

If eligible, you can currently apply for:

• up to four food/energy vouchers per 12 months
• up to two household items per 12 months (only one white goods item)

What if I’m not eligible for support through the North Yorkshire Local Assistance Fund?

If your application is declined or you need further help there is information about benefits, energy bills, food and managing debt on our cost of living page. If you are experiencing benefit delays, you may be eligible for a short-term benefit advance. Call the Department for Work and Pensions on 0800 328 5644.