Back

Emergency support for residents

Overview

If you're a Southwark resident facing a crisis, emergency or disaster and you need help, Southwark Emergency Support Scheme (SESS) can help.

We normally provide goods or services rather than cash. For example, you might qualify for a food gift card or help with your energy bills.

You can apply if you or your partner receive or have recently applied for one of the following benefits:

  • Universal Credit including the personal allowance element
  • Income Support
  • Jobseeker's Allowance (income based)
  • Employment Support Allowance (income based)
  • Guaranteed Pension Credit

In most instances, you must also:

  • have been living in Southwark for at least 3 months
  • be 16 or older

Apply for emergency support

You can call us on 020 7525 2434 (find out about call charges).

Learn more about how we use your data. 

Other welfare benefits

If you’re housebound or have a vulnerable person in your household, we can check that you and your household are getting all the welfare benefits you're entitled to and help you make a claim.

Southwark Local Support team provides emergency support to vulnerable people (including severely disabled people), who are facing severe financial hardship.

Local Support - Request help with your benefits