Denied crisis loan

[djgordyp]

Hi all. been a long time since I needed to post here I tried a search but couldn't find anything like my story. I have also posted this in the CAG facebook page because as I state at the end I want as many people as possible to know about this.

 

Hi folks. I would like to ask has anyone ever been denied a crisis loan or know anyone that has. I'm between payments at the minute. My SSP has run out and am waiting for my ESA to come through. My money ran out at the weekend and my electricity and food ran out yesterday.. Went to my local SSO to get a crisis loan. The guy dealing with me rang the ESA office and told me that they had all they needed and no reason why a payment couldn't be put in my account today. Therefore I was refused a loan. They wouldn't even give me the price of a bus ticket home. Today at lunch time there was no payment in my account. Rang esa to be told there was nothing to say a payment had been authorised. He said he sent through an email to authorise an interim payment but said it would take 4 hours to be sorted. Because of the time I rang at meant no payment until tomorrow. Obviously that's unacceptable so rang the benefits enquiry line. The lady there said she couldn't help but told me to get back to esa and ask to speak to a supervisor. Did that and was told I couldn't be transferred but I would get a call from one before the end of the day. I didn't believe that so rang BEL again. This time the person told me he would transfer me to esa. Instead I was put through to JSA. I was told there that there should be no reason why esa couldn't transfer me to a supervisor. In desperation I rang my MP. As of 4.55 neither me or my MP has had no response from ESA. They have no idea the stress this has put me under. Luckily I don't have any children needing fed but regardless of that this is an unacceptable situation. I spoke to a charity worker who told me this is not a unique case and even mentioned that a family with 4 young children were denied a loan. Sorry this has been a long story but even though I was given some food I am furious I have been treated this way and want as many people as possible to know about this. I'm even thinking of going to the papers....national if needs be!!

 

Is this normal practice or even accepable.

[estellyn]

You cannot get DWP crisis loans any more. In certain circumstances interim payments can be paid.

 

 

For crisis help you now need to cannot your LA (council) who now manage their own individual funds.

[djgordyp]

Northern Ireland might be different because no one has told me that.

 

Just checked nidirect and they still give information on applying for a crisis loan

[maroondevo52]

Northern Ireland might be different because no one has told me that.

 

Just checked nidirect and they still give information on applying for a crisis loan

 

You can no longer apply for a Crisis Loan in England, Scotland or Wales. You can still apply in Northern Ireland.

(That's about as much as I know on the subject)

[estellyn]

Wow, shows how current I stay on news, have they still managed to continue blocking the welfare reforms in NI? In that case ignore what I said. Carry on.......(wanders off looking confused)

[antone]

Wow, shows how current I stay on news, have they still managed to continue blocking the welfare reforms in NI? In that case ignore what I said. Carry on.......(wanders off looking confused)

 

I believe the NI government has control over welfare, unlike the Scottish and Welsh equivalents. Although most things are the same there in terms of benefits, there are a few minor differences. It would seem this is one of them.

[estellyn]

I believe the NI government has control over welfare, unlike the Scottish and Welsh equivalents. Although most things are the same there in terms of benefits, there are a few minor differences. It would seem this is one of them.

 

 

Maybe we could ask NI Caggers to specify they're in NI when they ask benefit queries to be sure they get the right advice - looking around for a few minutes online, looks as though there are a few differences until (and maybe even when) the NI welfare reform bill goes through.

[antone]

Maybe we could ask NI Caggers to specify they're in NI when they ask benefit queries to be sure they get the right advice - looking around for a few minutes online, looks as though there are a few differences until (and maybe even when) the NI welfare reform bill goes through.

 

Makes sense. I'll add a sticky.

[stu007]

This is the link to NI Government - Social Fund Guide - Crisis Loans:

 

http://www.dsdni.gov.uk/index/ssa/information_for_advisors/ssani_adviser_technical_guides/social_fund_guide/social_fund_guide_pt3/social_fund_guide_pt3_crisis_loans.htm

[djgordyp]

Indeed, never thought that I should have pointed out I was in NI. I think the way they treat people needs to be reformed never mind the welfare system. It shouldn't be down to charities to do the governments job. In fact one charity is currently gathering information on the scale of the problem to present to the government. And even if my money does come through. I won't let the matter drop

[antone]

Indeed, never thought that I should have pointed out I was in NI. I think the way they treat people needs to be reformed never mind the welfare system. It shouldn't be down to charities to do the governments job. In fact one charity is currently gathering information on the scale of the problem to present to the government. And even if my money does come through. I won't let the matter drop

 

Yeah, to be honest, the NI thing hadn't occurred to me until this thread. Oh well. Since it seems that it is relevant information, I'd ask people to let us know. I guess we all live and learn.

 

The situation you described in your OP is not, sadly, all that unusual. Before Crisis Loans were abolished in the rest of the UK, I would sometimes have to deal with similar situations to the one you describe (I was an ESA processor). I like to think I handled them better, right enough - I hope I did - but so many people are involved that cock-ups happen all the time. Which does not, of course, mean you should tolerate them without complaint.

 

I imagine my standard advice for these situations has some applicability even in NI - get your money sorted first, then complain. Either you should get your ESA, if your claim is set up and ready to go, or you should get a CL.

[djgordyp]

Thanks for your input antone. As I already mentioned the money has not come through yet. And I see no reason why they couldn't have allowed me the cost of the bus fare home (£6) I did receive a little help from a local charity yesterday. Had it not been for my support worker I would not have been aware of this. Reading the information on the link provided above. The advisor should have been able to point me in the direction of other help. But when I asked where else I could go for help he couldn't answer me.

I was in need of immediate help and the promise of a payment the following day could hardly be considered to alleviate the immediate need. I am on medication for depression and the whole episode has been very stressful and I feel as if I'm only starting to settle a bit now.

[worried33]

yeah sadly crisis loans are no more, another ideological policy as most crisis loans got paid back, I finished paying mine back in feb this year.

[Belfaster]

Just to clarify the situation here in N Ireland, Crisis loans, Budgeting loans and Community Care Grants are still available, until the Welfare Reform Bill is passed over here, that is the way things will remain. Welfare Reform is a highly emotive subject here in N Ireland, the major parties do not seem to be able to come to an agreement, the Bill at Stormont has been delayed for several months now. I will try and post updates as and when new information becomes available.

[estellyn]

Just to clarify the situation here in N Ireland, Crisis loans, Budgeting loans and Community Care Grants are still available, until the Welfare Reform Bill is passed over here, that is the way things will remain. Welfare Reform is a highly emotive subject here in N Ireland, the major parties do not seem to be able to come to an agreement, the Bill at Stormont has been delayed for several months now. I will try and post updates as and when new information becomes available.

 

 

Thanks, updates would be greatly appreciated.