Relief in Need – Grant Information

Relief in Need grants provide financial support to Oxford residents who are facing hardship or a difficult period in their lives. The grants are designed to help with the cost of essential household items or to support individuals and families making a fresh start after illness, crisis, or other challenges.

Relief in Need grants provide one-off financial support to people experiencing hardship.  These grants can help cover the cost of specific essential items: 

• Appliances such as washing machines and fridges
• Furniture such as a bed or a dining table
• Essential household items such as crockery and curtains

They may also be used as start-up grants to help families or individuals who are:

• Moving into new accommodation
• Making a fresh start after crisis

Typical maximum amounts offered for any grant are:

• Up to £650 for a single person
• Up to £800 for a single parent with children
• Up to £900 for a two-parent family with children

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Have been a resident in the City of Oxford for at least three years before applying
• Be experiencing financial need or hardship

• All applications must be made using our application form
• A supporting statement is required from a recognised third-party support worker who knows the applicant, such as an advisor from an appropriate agency such as Citizens Advice, social worker or health visitor
• The supporting statement should explain the applicant’s circumstances, to include housing, employment, financial situation, health and family situation

• Grants are NOT paid direct to applicants
• Payments are made to the organisation supporting the application process, or where appropriate, via a third party supplier such as Argos
• Please note we cannot provide grants for expenses already incurred