Are they stopping social fund?

[phil76]

Hope this isn't true,was really helpful when you needed new furniture etc

[Nystagmite]

I don't think it's stopping as such; but they are meant to be changing it.

[flumps1976]

Social fund is changing and this link will explain what changes are happening.

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/local-authority-staff/social-fund-reform/

Community care grants and crisis loans are going to the local authorities,

Crisis loan aligmant of benefits will remain with DWP

Budgeting loans will continue until universal credits is rolled out and will then be replaced by a new system.

 

Sure Start Maternity grants, funeral payments will remain within the DWP

[phil76]

Social fund is changing and this link will explain what changes are happening.

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/local-authority-staff/social-fund-reform/

Community care grants and crisis loans are going to the local authorities,

Crisis loan aligmant of benefits will remain with DWP

Budgeting loans will continue until universal credits is rolled out and will then be replaced by a new system.

 

Sure Start Maternity grants, funeral payments will remain within the DWP

 

Thanks,do we know how different it will be?

[phil76]

I don't think it's stopping as such; but they are meant to be changing it.

 

Thank you

[flumps1976]

Phil I don't know how different it will be but it will be different, the money that is given to the LA will not be ringfemced so can be spent however it is deemed so may not even be used for the intended purpose iygwim? but also there is nothing published to say that the money won't be used as intended either.

[osdset]

Phil I don't know how different it will be but it will be different, the money that is given to the LA will not be ringfemced so can be spent however it is deemed so may not even be used for the intended purpose iygwim? but also there is nothing published to say that the money won't be used as intended either. :???:

 

My money is on LA's frittering this fund away as they see fit, it's just another back door method by the DWP to deprive the needy, the same as the new poll tax, they are forcing claimants to take a virtual cut in benefits, they can sit back and say 'well it's not us that's depriving you, it's your LA's fault for not funding the 10% shortfall elsewhere'.

 

Expect more of these shenanigans in the future.

[flumps1976]

As far as I am aware it was the Government that made the decision to go ahead with Social Fund reforms not DWP.

I personally don't agree with the change either but I'm one little person sat on a chair in a JCP so in the eyes of Parliament my opinion doesn't mean diddly squat!

[id6052]

Oh, lets not forget that the DWP have now advised that Councils can no longer award DHPs to people who need help with Council Tax costs

[flumps1976]

In my defence I know nothing about that id6052 s I am neither a processing officer or work at the LA sorry

[id6052]

sorry, flumps1976, it was not meant as a criticism of you

 

At the moment, people receiving council tax benefit who need extra help to meet their council tax costs, can apply to the LA for a discretionary housing payment to help meet any shortfall, for example if your council tax is £24 per week and you receive council tax benefit of £18 per week, the LA can award a DHP of up to £6 to help you.

 

In April 2013, when council tax benefit is abolished, and local council tax support introduced, a person in the same position would be ineligible for DHPs. Which seems crazy at the same time that millions of households are suddenly going to have to pay significantly more towards their council tax costs.

[flumps1976]

It's ok I didn't take it personally, tough hide on me today after all the abuse which I received!

So many changes going through atm and it's just getting worse and worse

[bio]

At the moment, people receiving council tax benefit who need extra help to meet their council tax costs, can apply to the LA for a discretionary housing payment to help meet any shortfall, for example if your council tax is £24 per week and you receive council tax benefit of £18 per week, the LA can award a DHP of up to £6 to help you.

 

Are you confusing HB and CTB? Discretionary HOUSING payments can only be paid for HB (for private sector tenants) - not CTB.

[Nystagmite]

Are you confusing HB and CTB? Discretionary HOUSING payments can only be paid for HB (for private sector tenants) - not CTB.

 

This is what I thought.

[id6052]

Are you confusing HB and CTB? Discretionary HOUSING payments can only be paid for HB (for private sector tenants) - not CTB.

 

nope, not confusing them

 

discretionary housing payments can currently be paid to supplement: -

 

1. hb/ctb for private sector tenants
   
2. hb/ctb for social sector tenants
   
3. ctb for owner occupiers
   

[phil76]

Still don't understand how the changes are gonna work :/ anytime I've applied for a social fund they've always given me the money,do these changes mean they'll refuse me?i don't understand

 

I suffer with depression and anxiety and all these benefit changes make me feel worse,just constant worry all the time it's hell :(

 

Just praying I get better soon and find a job and not have all this worry on my mind

Edited January 17, 2013 by phil76

[flumps1976]

I don't think anything has been published to determine how it will be from April, but I can forsee a return to something similar to the old system from a few years ago where someone claimed for an item and had to provide quotes from a store or repair bill if necessary, and a cheque payment will be issued or voucher for that particular item.

Not saying that is how it will be just how I think it could be implemented iygwim? just my opinion for what it's worth

[id6052]

my understanding is that some local authorities are putting funding into their social services departments, but am guessing it will be up to each council how they administer it

[Helen2264]

I don't think anything has been published to determine how it will be from April, but I can forsee a return to something similar to the old system from a few years ago where someone claimed for an item and had to provide quotes from a store or repair bill if necessary, and a cheque payment will be issued or voucher for that particular item.

Not saying that is how it will be just how I think it could be implemented iygwim? just my opinion for what it's worth

 

Back in the 80s that how it was if you need to buy cooker, fridges, washing machine, furniture you would need go in a shop and get quote from the seller then take it to your local DSS office then you'll get a giro for the amount quoted! I did that for my cooker, washing machine and bedding back in 1985 but I add a few extra pennies to get something decent! The cooker I bought that time was second hand but lasted me for 17 years and never fail!