Vital financial support will be available for eligible families across Royal Greenwich, using money from the Government’s Household Support Grant, we are providing extra support for low-income residents affected by the rises in cost of living.

Using money from the Government’s Household Support Grant, we will be supporting a number of schemes throughout December, until March, to ensure our residents stay warm, well and safe.  

• We are sending targeted payments to residents for free school meals, along with equivalent payments for pre-school children, care leavers and nil recourse to public funds households. 

• We’ll also use the funding to strengthen the existing programmes including food banks and food pantries, and Stay Warm Stay Safe, as well as the Emergency Support Scheme. 

• The payments will be available to be accessed in the New Year, right through to March, as support from the Council doesn’t end at Christmas.  

Free school meals payments

All children currently claiming free school meals in Greenwich Schools will qualify for a payment. Entitlement is confirmed via the schools, and you will be contacted by text message or email from the Council letting you know how you will receive the payment.  

Four payments will be made: one of £15 per child in October half-term, one of £40 per child in December, one of £15 paid during February half-term, and one of £30 for the Easter school holidays. 

The Council will also be paying this to anybody attending a Royal Greenwich school that is eligible and signs up for Free School Meals before March 2023.    

Sign up for free school meals or contact your school.

Payments for pre-school children

For pre-school children, entitlement will be confirmed by Childrens Centres and early-years childcare providers, and you will be contacted by text message or email from the Council letting you know how you will receive the payment. Payments will be made at the same rate as school aged children. 

If your child is not yet registered at a childcare setting, find out more about our children's centres.

Other targeted payments

Targeted payments will also be made to other vulnerable households in the new year who are supported by the Royal Borough of Greenwich. 

These payments form part of our larger campaign, Greenwich Supports , which aims to identify any gaps in funding to support those most vulnerable. 

We are here to help

Live Well 

Whether it’s about access to food, concerns about the rising cost of living or not knowing how to get the support you need, you can speak to Live Well Greenwich.  

You will be able to speak to someone about the best support you can get to make the most meaningful difference to you. 

Call the Live Well Line on 0800 4704831 to chat with someone about any of these things that are worrying you, and they will be able to help. 

See our Stay Warm page for more. 

Stay Warm Stay Safe 

The Royal Borough of Greenwich is providing extra services and support for residents who may be at risk during the cold weather.

Residents who are over 60, caring for a young or vulnerable person or having problems paying their winter fuel bills could benefit from Stay Warm Stay Safe.

See our Stay Warm page for more. 

Emergency Support Scheme

The emergency support scheme was set up by the Royal Borough of Greenwich to provide discretionary support to local residents in difficult times; for example, after a house fire or flood. 

There are two types of support available:

• Community support awards
• Emergency support payments

See our Stay Warm page for more. 

Other help

Find out where you can get further help on our Greenwich Supports page.