PLEASE NOTE: Applications for the Customer Support Fund have been temporarily paused. This does not affect applications made before 18 November 2024.

The Customer Support Fund offers one off grants of between £50 and £500. 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 £500

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
Customers awarded a main grant in previous financial years are only eligible to reapply for the fast-track grant.
Not be in significant breach of their tenancy agreement
Tried other grant providers such as the Local Authority Household Support Fund first.

Applications can be made on behalf of a 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
One months banks statements (including joint tenants). Statements must be provided for all accounts and in PDF format (not screenshots)
Proof of bills/debts
Quotes for any items you wish to purchase

The more information you can provide about why you need the grant, why you can’t afford the item yourself and what other funds you’ve tried, the easier it is for us to assess your application.

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

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.

Applications for our main grants from £101 up to £500 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. If the applicant had been awarded a main grant in any previous year, they are only eligible to apply for the fast-track grant.