CLAS – Cambridgeshire Local Assistance Scheme

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Cambridgeshire’s Local Assistance Scheme (CLAS) provides support to those individuals and families facing unexpected financial difficulties and hardship. CLAS provides information, advice and assistance that enables eligible people to cope and better support themselves.

How to contact

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CLAS is led by the CHS Group on behalf of Cambridgeshire County Council.

The scheme provides information, advice and discretionary assistance that enables eligible families and individuals to improve their immediate financial position; cope and better support themselves, and use relevant resources to succeed in the long term. This could include access to low cost reused and refurbished household items, clothing and food vouchers.

This Service is free and there are several referral routes.

To apply to the Scheme you must have lived in Cambridgeshire for at least six months, unless you have fled to the area for your own safety. (Please note EU clients will need to have at least applied for Settled Status to access CLAS).
You must be facing hardship or under exceptional financial pressure. You must have no savings and receive one of the following means tested benefits:
• Income Support
• Income based Job Seekers Allowance (JSA)
• Income related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Pension Credit
• Universal Credit

If you are working, your total household must be below the HMRC low income threshold. If unsure please contact Citizens Advice Rural Service.

You cannot apply directly to this scheme – the application is made by a worker called a  CLAS Champion. Champions are chosen for their experience and knowledge and ability to help people find the right solutions for their needs.

To find your local CLAS champion you can contact your local CAB in Cambridgeshire or if you rent from a housing association please ask if they can help.

Referrals in East Cambs can come from Citizens Advice Rural Service. For more info click here.

 

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