Support for Oldham residents who face sudden financial shocks and can’t afford essentials and providing long-term help to improve financial stability and resilience.
Crisis payments
For residents facing sudden financial difficulties (such as fire, flood, fleeing domestic abuse, or sudden illness) who cannot meet essential needs without urgent help.
This scheme can help cover urgent essentials, including:
- Food via Supermarket vouchers giving residents the choice of where to shop and what to buy
- Energy payments to help keep homes warm
- Essential household items to support cooking, washing and somewhere safe to sleep.
Housing payments
Housing payments (previously called Discretionary Housing Payments) can offer support if you’re struggling with housing costs or are at risk of homelessness.
You may be eligible if you receive Housing Benefit or Universal Credit and are struggling to cover your housing costs and cannot afford to make up the shortfall in your rent.
Preventing holiday hunger
Supermarket vouchers for children who receive means-tested free school meals
Around 21,000 children in Oldham from pre-schoolers through to care leavers of college age who receive free school meals will receive supermarket vouchers during the current school year:
- £15 at May half-term
- £50 over the summer holidays
No application is needed. Your child’s school will send vouchers automatically if they are eligible.
Apply for housing costs
Rent Deposits & Tenancy Bonds
Payments available for residents working with the Housing Options service
If you’re at risk of going into temporary accommodation, you may be eligible for help with a rent deposit or tenancy bond.
To access this support, contact your housing officer.
Oldham Foodbank
Free food parcels for anyone who needs them
Additional funding ensures the Foodbank can deliver essential supplies available year-round.
Free food parcels are available by referral, call the Oldham Council Helpline on 0161 770 7007, Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm.
Local Support Near You
Community Groups
Local voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise organisations coordinated though Action Together can help with applications for Crisis Support.
Support will be available from Summer 2026.
Making the most of your money
Holiday Activity and Food Programme
Expanded programme with more activities and food support for children and low income families:
Affordable loans
Simple affordable and flexible loans from £100 to £10,000 through Oldham Credit Union:
Help to get online
Devices, data and digital support from Inclusive Bytes for residents who need help to get online:
Welfare Rights
Support with complex benefits, applications, tribunals and appeals:
Launching sumer 2026
Free financial advice
One stop advice and support including money, debt and benefits.
Income maximisation
Specialist help to access and apply for benefits you may be entitled to but aren't claiming.