The York Financial Assistance Scheme (YFAS) provides help if you are having financial difficulties.
To get support:
Alternatively, telephone: 0808 168 5238 (free from a landline)
The Citizens' Advice budget sheet can help you list all your income and expenses, which is useful if you're applying online as we'll ask you to provide these details. When completed, return this sheet to YFAS via our Benefits Section (not Citizen's Advice).
If you are homeless, use our address when filling in your application: City of York Council, West Offices, York, YO1 6GA
YFAS service review
If you've ever applied to YFAS we want you hear from you.
We want to find out how well the scheme is working for people in York. Whether you got help or not, let us know about your experience of using the service.
Our YFAS review survey has now closed, but we still welcome your feedback by email to susan.wood@york.gov.uk.
We will report our findings to the Financial Inclusion Steering Group in October 2018.
Assistance available through YFAS
We offer 2 types of assistance, targeted at those most in need:
- Emergency Assistance: to help with a disaster or crisis
- Community Assistance: to help with a return to/remaining in your community
Community Assistance can also help ease pressure on your family, for example, by providing help to attend a funeral or with visiting a sick relative.
What YFAS provides
YFAS provides goods, services, fuel top-ups and supermarket vouchers. We can only make cash available to you in exceptional circumstances, for example, if we receive a recommendation from a support agency for you.
We'll award items on the basis of need; for example, we'll only provide carpets if there is a specific need, such as you have a baby or toddler who is crawling.
Download the YFAS factsheet and YFAS criteria for more information.
If you are experiencing benefit delays
If you have no money due to a delay with a benefit payment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), you can apply for a short-term benefit advance.
Download our Money Problems leaflet for information and advice if you're experiencing financial hardship.
Other discretionary financial help
If you're receiving Housing Benefit or Universal Credit and you're struggling to pay your rent, you may be able to request a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP).
Our council tax Discretionary Reduction Scheme may also be able to help if you're unable to pay your council tax bill due to financial difficulties.
Flood related applications (for flood disasters)
If you've been affected by flooding in York and need financial support, complete a Flood Recovery Fund application form. Refer to our guidance notes if you need further help completing your application.
Once you've completed your application form, either:
- email it to office@trcf.org.uk; or
- bring it in to our Customer Centre