Who can apply
To apply, you must meet all of the following:
- You are Muslim
- You live in the London Borough of Barnet or surrounding areas
- You are in financial hardship — unable to pay for basic needs such as food, clothing, or accommodation
- You have not received a Community Zakat Programme grant from any organisation in the last 12 months
Please note: this service is funded through Zakat and can only be provided to Muslims. If you do not meet the criteria above, please see the other support services listed further down this page.
How to apply
To apply, you must book an appointment for a Zakat assessment. All assessments take place in person at Finchley Mosque (683–685 High Road, North Finchley, N12 0DA). You will need to make your own way to the location.
At your appointment, a volunteer will ask questions about your finances, income, and spending. This helps us understand your situation and determine whether you are eligible for Zakat support. The assessment takes approximately 15–20 minutes.
What to bring
You must bring the following documents to your appointment:
- Photo ID (passport, driving licence, or similar)
- Proof of address dated within the last 6 months (utility bill, council tax letter, or similar)
- Bank statements for all accounts (within the last 3 months)
- Proof of any benefits you receive
- Spouse’s ID (if applying as a couple)
- Children’s ID or birth certificates (if applicable)
If your application is successful
Support is usually provided within 10 working days. Payment is made through a Post Office secure payment link sent to you by email. No cash is given directly.
Grant amounts are based on household size:
- Single adult: £125
- Couple: £150
- Additional £25 per child, up to a maximum of £250
Booking an appointment does not guarantee support. All applications are assessed based on need and are subject to review by NZF. Due to limited funds, this support can usually only be accessed once in a 12-month period.
All applicants are expected to treat our volunteers with respect and courtesy. Any abusive, threatening, or inappropriate behaviour may result in the assessment being ended and the application being refused.
Other Support Available
Whether or not you are eligible for this programme, the following services may be able to help.
- NZF — Apply for Zakat Online — Hardship Relief, Housing, Work & Education funds for Muslims in the UK.
- IANL Hot Food Hub — Free weekly meals, open to anyone in need. 683–685 High Road, N12 0DA.
- Citizens Advice at IANL — Free advice on benefits, debt, housing, immigration. Sessions at Finchley Mosque.
- Southgate Mosque — Food bank, no referral needed.
- High Barnet Islamic Centre — Monthly soup kitchen and refugee outreach.
- Palmers Green Mosque (MCEC) — Food collection hub and fortnightly breakfast club.
- St Barnabas Food Bank — No referral needed.
- Finchley Foodbank — Emergency food for local people in need.
- Chipping Barnet Foodbank — Referral needed (GP, Citizens Advice or IANL can help).
- Colindale Foodbank — Emergency food parcels, referral needed.
- Christ Church Food Bank — No referral necessary.
- Burnt Oak Community Food Bank — Walk-in.
- Rainbow Centre — Food support and referral point for other food banks.
- Full directory of Barnet food banks — Barnet Wellbeing Hub listing.
- Barnet Council — Benefits & Support — Housing benefit, council tax reduction, emergency assistance.
- Barnet Resident Support Fund — One-off help with food, energy bills and living costs.
- Barnet Crisis Fund — Emergency financial assistance.
- Household Support Fund — Vouchers for families (via schools) and over-55s (via Age UK, 020 8203 5040).
- Mayor’s Benevolent Fund — Small one-off grants for residents on income-related benefits.
- Citizens Advice Barnet — Work, debt, benefits, housing. Specialist immigration team.
- Barnet Refugee Service — Holistic support for refugees and asylum seekers. Free, self-referral.
- Barnet Wellbeing Hub — Counselling, befriending, workshops. Free for Barnet residents 16+.
- NHS Barnet Talking Therapies — Free NHS therapy for anxiety, depression, low mood. Self-referral via Barnet GP.
- Sanctuary in Barnet (Crisis Café) — Immediate emotional support, no appointment.
- Samaritans — 24/7 listening service, free and confidential.
- Muslim Youth Helpline — Faith and culturally sensitive support for young Muslims.
