Accessing the social fund

Half day

Background

The social fund is an important source of help for some people on low incomes and means tested benefits. It is designed to provide lump sum payments where there is a particular need outside day to day living expenses.

Aims

To provide an overview of the discretionary social fund.

To provide practical strategies for supporting successful claims for crisis loans, budgeting loans and community care grants.

Contents

• How to complete community care grant forms
• Dealing with crisis loans
• How to challenge unfavourable decisions

Suitable for

Social workers, housing staff and anyone who needs to gain a basic understanding of the social fund and develop the practical skills to make a successful claim. No prior knowledge needed.

What participants said last year

“Excellent”

“Very informative”

“Not knowing much about these funds before, I now have a good overview of it”

This page was last updated on 4 October 2009