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.
What to expect
Cambridgeshire Local Assistance Scheme (CLAS) provides information, advice and one-off practical support and assistance to people who live in Cambridgeshire during times of exceptional financial pressure or hardship (subject to eligibility).
An assessment will be carried out to see if you could be eligible for a CLAS award. The award can be in the form of:
- supermarket vouchers
- energy vouchers
- new white goods
- decorating packs
- beds
- mattresses
- recycled white goods and furniture
You can be assessed for a CLAS award by requesting an appointment with Cambridge & District Citizens Advice.
More information
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. Eligibility criteria in terms of income, savings and benefits are on this link.
You cannot apply directly to the scheme, but if you are eligible, you can apply through Citizens Advice Cambridge & District – please click on this link to make an appointment. At this appointment you will need to provide proof of eligibility such as benefits letters and bank statements.
Professional referrals
If you are a professional referring a client to the CLAS scheme, please email [email protected]. You will be sent forms to complete with the client and return to Citizens Advice. When the completed forms are returned, Citizens Advice will offer the client an appointment. There are ‘fast track’ appointments for clients in urgent need – please state whether this is the case when emailing. Clients will be required to complete an initial assessment and provide proof of income/benefits to ensure they meet the eligibility criteria.
