South Tyneside Council Local Welfare Provision Scheme

Transcription

1 South Tyneside Council Local Welfare Provision Scheme

2 Contents 1. Local Welfare Provision in South Tyneside 2. Crisis Support 3. Community Care Support 4. Application Process 5. Decision making and appeals 6. Referrals and signposting 7. Assessment of income 8. Exclusions 9. Monitoring of Local Welfare Provision Fund 10. Communicating the Local Welfare Provision Fund 11. Review of policy 12. Appendix A. DWP Funding Allocation to South Tyneside Council B. DWP Social Fund Localisation data for 2011/12 - Community Care Grants and Budgeting Loans C. DWP Social Fund Localisation data for 2011/12 Crisis Loans D. DWP 2011/12 Monthly data (1) Budgeting Loans

3 (2) Community Care Grants (3) Crisis Loans E. Budgeting Advances information F. Local Welfare Provision Excluded applicants G. Community Care Award categories H. DWP Budgeting Loans information I. Local Welfare Provision Excluded items J. Local Welfare Provision application forms / information required K. Other possible sources of assistance L. South Tyneside Council Discretionary Housing Payment Policy M. DWP Social Security Benefit Rates 2013/14 N. Local Welfare Provision Contact details

4 1. Local Welfare Provision in South Tyneside 1.1 Background As part of the wider welfare reforms, the government has abolished some of the assistance available from the discretionary Social Fund. Crisis Loans (for items and immediate living expenses) and Community Care Grants have been abolished from April 2013 and funding transferred to Local Authorities. The role of the independent Social Fund Inspector will also be abolished. The localisation of the DWP funding is in the form of a non-ringed grant and there is no statutory duty placed on Local Authorities to replicate the previous Social Fund system. The funding South Tyneside has received is roughly 75% of DWP actual expenditure in Funding is guaranteed for two financial years only - the arrangements after April 2015 is not known. Details of the funding granted to South Tyneside Council is available in Appendix A. The government s rationale for this change in the Social Security System is that Local Authorities are best placed to provide assistance to those in need and that services can be linked together with better value for money with no duplication of service provision. The aim is for a more responsive, better targeted and integrated system of support. Some help will still remain available from the DWP/ Job Centre Plus. Budgeting Loans will continue to be available to all claimants until all claims have been closed or transferred to Universal Credit (see Appendix H). This is expected to be by April 2017 The DWP will retain responsibility for: Short term advances which will replace Interim Payments and alignment payments from April 2013 (see Appendix E) Budgeting Advances will start to replace Social Fund Budgeting Loans for eligible new Universal Credit claims with effect from October 2013 when Universal Credit begins to be introduced. Other aspects of the non-discretionary elements will still be available. These are: Funeral Payments Maternity Grants Cold Weather Payments Winter Fuel Payments In response to the abolition of Community Care Grants and Crisis Loans South Tyneside Council has developed a scheme which will be known as Local Welfare Provision. Due to the reduction in the funding it is not possible to replicate all

5 aspects of the current scheme. The new localised scheme has some similar aspects of the previous national scheme, but with a significantly reduced budget requests for assistance will not be able to be met to the same extent as previously. The Local Welfare Provision is the responsibility of Adult Social Care and will sit alongside the Welfare Rights Service. A new team of 5 staff has been established to administer the scheme funded from the administration budget allocated by the DWP. The new scheme will be regularly reviewed and revised as required. This document sets out how the new scheme will operate, specifies eligibility criteria, the scope of assistance available under the scheme and exclusions. 1.2 Local Welfare Provision in South Tyneside The main overall aims of the new localised scheme are to: Help vulnerable applicants remain in the community Help vulnerable applicants be resettled into or set up home in the community Ease exceptional pressure on vulnerable families Provide emergency financial support Help meet vulnerable applicants immediate short term needs for goods or services that arise because of a disaster or unforeseen circumstances There are two elements of the Local Welfare Provision scheme: Crisis Support. This aims to help meet vulnerable applicant s immediate short term needs for goods or services that arise because of an emergency or as a consequence of a disaster Community Care Support. This aims to assist applicants remain in the community or move back into the community after a period in supported or unsettled accommodation. Families demonstrating that they are experiencing exceptional pressure will also have access to this payment. The payments and awards from the new scheme are entirely discretionary and the funding available will be budget limited. Payments and awards will be awarded to applicants who have demonstrated sufficient priority need and whose circumstances meet the criteria outlined in this document. The eligibility criteria will be strictly adhered to with evidence of satisfying the criteria being required. The Local Welfare Provision scheme within South Tyneside will operate on a non cash basis. Awards and payments will be by either direct provision of the goods or service requested or by voucher. All applications will be assessed on their own individual merits

6 The Local Welfare Provision scheme is budget limited and the budget will be reviewed on a monthly basis

7 2. Crisis Support 2.1 Crisis Support Assessments There will be two stages to the assessment of a Crisis Support application: 1) An assessment of need - to establish if the applicant meets one of the qualifying conditions set out below. 2) An assessment of resources - to establish if the applicant has immediate or imminent access to any other form of financial assistance or funding. The applicant must be resident in South Tyneside and be aged over Qualifying conditions for Crisis Support The applicant must demonstrate that they are without sufficient vital necessities / resources to meet their immediate short term needs as the consequence of an emergency or a disaster. They must be unable to meet their need from alternative sources. An emergency is considered to be an immediate need for items and services which must have arisen following the occurrence of an exceptional event or unforeseen circumstances. A disaster is considered to be an act of sudden misfortune and will include: Major flooding Gas explosion Chemical leak House fire The award of Crisis Support must be the only means available with which to prevent a serious damage or serious risk to the health and safety of an applicant / immediate family member. There is no qualifying benefit condition. Increased priority will be given to people in receipt of income based benefits although all requests will be dealt with on an individual basis. Awards will not be made to be people who have access to savings. All circumstances of the applicant will be considered. Sufficient proof and information must be provided to be able to enable staff to effectively and accurately assess applications. 2.3 Items which can be covered by Crisis Support The following are examples of items which can be covered by a Crisis Support Payment

8 Immediate daily living expenses such as food including baby milk and nappies Emergency pre-payment for heating, lighting, solid fuel charges Travel expenses to hospital, residential care, emergency accommodation, and funerals Essential items of furniture and clothing following a disaster Rent in advance following an emergency or stay in residential care situation This list is not exhaustive. There will be no cash payments made direct to the applicant. The methods of support will include the following options of payment: Supermarket vouchers Pre-payment cards Direct payment to suppliers or utilities Payment to travel operators (e.g. bus companies, train companies, taxis) Use of recycled goods where appropriate 2.4 Assessment of priority As part of the assessment of the application the level of the applicant s priority need of the items requested will be considered. Applicant s circumstances which may be considered representing a priority circumstance included the following: a) Serious physical health problems for which treatment is being received b) Has a dependent child and the applicant is receiving ongoing care and support c) Are homeless, or at risk of imminent homelessness d) Has a substance or alcohol misuse problem, for which treatment or support is being received e) Are on probation or receiving support relating to previous offences f) Has a learning disability with support needs g) Has a dependent child who normally lives with them and whose child s health is at immediate risk h) Have a physical or sensory impairment with an assessed care need i) Have a mental health problem, for which treatment or support is being received j) Care leaver k) Are an older person (over 65) with care needs The above list is non exhaustive. The individual circumstances of applications will be fully considered. The applicant must have insufficient resources to meet their needs due to unexpected event and be able to provide evidence, as requested. The need must not be able to be met from alternative sources

9 2.4 Crisis Support application and decision process 1) Applications for Crisis Support can be made by the following methods: telephone on-line* in person at a relevant office In writing via an application form *Currently this will be by developments are in place for the existence of digital applications Contact details are available in Appendix N. Telephone and in person requests will be accepted between 9 and 4.30 (4.00pm on Fridays). No out of hours service is available. 2) Applications can be made by the applicant, appointee, carer, or advocate acting on their behalf. Consent of the applicant, if acting on their behalf, must be provided. 3) Evidence and confirmation will be sought from the applicant, appointee, carer, or advocate to ensure that qualifying conditions set out above have been met. 4) Any additional evidence required will be specified to the applicant 5) An assessment of the applicant s finances will be made. The assessment will include assessing if the applicant has immediate access to any other form of financial assistance, funding or capital /savings. 6) The amount of money available in the budget will also be considered. 7) When the application has been received, an officer will aim to contact the applicant to inform them of the outcome of the application within 24 hours. This will then be followed up in writing / within 24 hours. 8) A decision may be pending the provision of evidence by the applicant, appointee, carer, or advocate. 9) If the application is successful a voucher or immediate short living expenses will be available to be collected from a relevant office as agreed with the applicant. For energy top-ups the applicant must attend a relevant office with their energy key to enable direct provision of the service. 10) The applicants must attend a relevant office with proof of identity and any relevant documents requested. 11) Relevant offices are South Shields and Jarrow Customer Service Centres

10 12) If the outcome of the application is the direct provision of goods or service then the applicant will be informed when this will occur. 13) If unsuccessful, the applicant will be notified of the right to request a review of the decision by telephone / . Applicants will have the right to request a review in writing or verbally. 2.5 Amount of Crisis Support The amount of Crisis Support paid other than for items is intended to cover immediate short-term needs that have arisen because of a crisis, disaster or unforeseen circumstances. An award may be for a specific item or service or to meet immediate living expenses for a short period, usually up to a maximum of 7 days. The application may be met in full, in part or refused. The amount awarded for immediate living expenses will be a maximum of 50% of the appropriate weekly benefit rate. For living expenses of less than a week the weekly rate will be apportioned. Quality recycled items/second hand goods may be awarded in relevant circumstances and supplied direct to the applicant. 2.6 Referrals and signposting Due to constraints of the Local Welfare Provision some applications will not be successful. In these circumstances the applicants will be signposted to other agencies where relevant to provide assistance and support to help meet longer term needs. Confirmation will also be sought from other relevant agencies with which the applicant is engaged to ensure that there is no duplication of service provision. Referrals may also be made to help prevent crisis events reoccurring wherever possible. Such agencies may be: Credit Union Support Agencies Sure Start Centres Welfare Rights agencies Debt and Budgeting advice agencies Details of some relevant agencies and groups are available in Appendix K. A local information file will be maintained and regularly updated and reviewed for effectiveness of meeting specific needs. 2.7 Repeat applications

11 Due to the constraints of the Local Welfare Provision budget there will be restrictions placed on the number of repeat applications that are able to be met. If the applicant has been awarded a Crisis Support payment for the same item or service on two occasions within the previous 12 months, then a further award will not be allocated. Applicants will be informed of this at the time of their initial application for immediate living expenses. A condition of any repeat application is engagement by the applicant with support we have previously signposted / referred them to when their previous application was made. If this can not be demonstrated, then we would not normally make an award. The repeat application rules do not apply if there has been a disaster

12 3. Community Care Support 3.1 Qualifying conditions To qualify for Community Care Support the applicant must require assistance due to one of the following categories: help people establish in the community following a stay in institution or care home in which they received care help people remain in the community rather than enter an institution or care home in which they will receive care ease exceptional pressures on people and their families help people set up home in the community, as part of a planned resettlement programme, following an unsettled way of life help people to care for a prisoner or young offender on release on temporary licence help people with expenses to make certain journeys such as attending a relative s funeral or visiting someone who is seriously ill. 3.2 Community Care Support Assessment There will be two stages to the assessment of a Community Care Support application: An assessment of need - to establish if the applicant meets one of the qualifying categories - see Appendix G. An assessment of finances - to establish if the applicant has any excess income, savings or capital that could be used to meet some or all of the required support or funding within a reasonable period of time. 3.3 Assessment of finances. For the applicant to qualify for a Community Care Support they / partner should be in receipt of, or due to be in receipt of a qualifying benefit within the next 6 weeks. The qualifying benefits are as follows Income Support Income-based Job Seekers Allowance Income-related Employment and Support Allowance Pension Credit either component Guarantee or Savings Credit Universal Credit at a rate equivalent to Income Support rates Current DWP Social Security Benefit and Tax Credit rates for are available in Appendix K

13 Proof of entitlement must be provided or obtained from DWP records where possible. If the applicant has savings or capital in excess of 500 ( 1000 for people over pensionable age) they will not be eligible for full assistance. Awards will be reduced pound for pound for savings in excess of the levels detailed. Funding must not be available from alternative sources. If alternative sources of funding are available the applicant will be signposted to the appropriate organisation. 3.4 Assessment of priority and budget If an award can be granted thus will be dependent upon a number of relevant factors: qualifying conditions being met circumstances of the applicant priority level of the applicants needs item requested The following factors will be considered to demonstrate the priority of the applicant in relation to the eligibility criteria: High priority - If it is demonstrated that an award will have a substantial and immediate effect in resolving or improving the circumstances of the applicant Medium priority - If it is demonstrated that an award will have a noticeable effect in resolving or improving the circumstances of the applicant Low priority If it is demonstrated that an award will have a minor effect in resolving or improving the circumstances of the applicant The following are examples of circumstances which would affect the priority of an applicant: serious physical health problem for which treatment is being received fleeing domestic abuse moving to be nearer family support dependent child who normally lives with them and whose child s health is at immediate risk Is homeless, or at risk of homelessness care leaver substance or alcohol misuse problem, for which treatment or support is being received on probation or receiving support relating to previous offences affected by, or at risk of domestic abuse or hate crime learning disability with support package physical or sensory impairment with a support package mental health problem, for which treatment or support is being received

14 older person (over 65) with support needs have a dependent child and are receiving support The above list is not exhaustive. Consideration will also be given to the amount available in the Local Welfare Provision budget. In doing this, the priority of each case will be compared to other applications. The budget will be regularly monitored. 3.5 Items which can be covered by Community Care Support Awards can be made for the provision of: Beds Bedding Seating Tables Wardrobes Cooker / microwave Fridge Washing machine kettle Pans, utensils, crockery and cutlery Floor coverings Curtains The above list is not exhaustive. All awards are discretionary and are decisions are made having given consideration to the applicant s needs, priority of the application and the budget. An assessment of the applicant s income and expenditure will be conducted. Key features of Community Care Support: The items awarded will be provided directly to the applicant. Items will be provided with the relevant guarantees and warranties. Quality re-use goods may be offered to meet needs Delivery dates for the supply of the items will be arranged with the applicant. There will be no cash alternative offered 3.6. Application process and assessment 1) Applications can be made by a variety of methods: application form telephone online *

15 *Currently this will be by developments are in place for the introduction of digital applications Contact details are included in Appendix N Application forms will be available at South Shields and Jarrow Customer Service Centres. Applications can be made by the applicant, or by an appointee, carer, or an advocate acting on behalf of the applicant. Consent must be obtained from the applicant. 2) A decision will be taken to assess if one of the qualifying conditions has been met. 3) Applications for the same item within 12 months will be refused unless there has been a significant change in circumstances. Proof of the significant change will be required. 4) Evidence of identity will be required and must be obtained. 5) Evidence will be required to show the qualifying conditions have been met. This can be by either: a) Confirmation by telephone with a specialist worker b) Other evidence provided by the applicant, appointee, carer, or advocate based on the individual circumstances of each case. 6) An assessment of the applicant s finances will be made. 7) The application will aim to be processed within one month of receipt and the applicant will be informed in writing / by of the outcome the application. 8) Applicants will have a right to request a review of the decision upon their claim if they are not satisfied with the decision (see section 5). If the applicant is not satisfied with the outcome there will be a further right of appeal. 9) The applicant will be signposted to other agencies, where relevant, to provide assistance, advice and support to help meet longer term needs. Details of some relevant agencies are available in the Appendix K

16 4. Information for applications 4.1 Evidence required as part of the application process Information or evidence may be requested in support of an application for a Local Welfare Provision payment For Crisis Support, the information and evidence to be provided will be identified during the telephone application and evidence must be provided as part of the application process. For Community Support the information and evidence required will be outlined on the application form and should be provided when the application form is submitted. The requested information and evidence should be provided within 7 working days, where possible, and a final decision will be made within one month. Any information or evidence provided by the applicant will be verified. Any such request will be essential to the decision making process and will only be used in connection with the Local Welfare Provision application. If the applicant is unable to, or does not, provide the required evidence, the application will be considered on the available information and evidence. 4.2 Repeat applications Due to the restrictions of the Local Welfare Provision repeat applications will not be able to be met. If the applicant has been awarded Crisis Support for living expenses on two occasions within the previous 12 months, then a further award will not be allocated. The repeat application rule will not apply in cases of disasters. Community Care Support will be limited to one payment for the same item / s unless there has been significant change in circumstances. This significant change circumstances must be evidenced. 4.3 Proof of identity Examples of proof of identity and evidence that may be required include: Passport, driving licence or other evidence of identity Wage slips or self-employed accounts Benefit entitlement letters Tax Credit letters Bank statements or other evidence of savings Receipts, utility bills or other evidence of expenditure Doctors letters confirming health conditions or prescriptions for relevant medication Details of key worker in relevant support agencies

17 4.4 Timescales Timescales are stipulated for the dealing with the following areas applications, review requests appeal requests. information / evidence requests proof of identity requests 4.5 Fraud South Tyneside Council is committed to the fight against fraud in all its forms. An applicant who fraudulently claims or attempts to fraudulently claim a Local Welfare Provision award by falsely declaring their circumstances, providing false statements or evidence in support of their application, may have committed an offence. Where it is alleged, or suspected that such a fraud may have been committed, the matter will be investigated. If an offence is found to have occurred, appropriate action will be taken. Any payments of Local Welfare Provision that have been fraudulently claimed will be recoverable from the person who made the claim

18 5. Decision making and appeals.5.1 Notification of decisions Applicants will be notified of the decision on Local Welfare Provision applications in writing / . For Crisis Support, the decision will also be notified verbally by telephone. The notification letter will include the following details: where a Local Provision Award is to be made the item/s awarded and where relevant the value where the Local Welfare Provision does not provide all support requested, the reasons for this decision reasons for the refusal of an application the applicant s review and appeal rights information on who to contact if they need further information or advice signposting to alternative sources of assistance The duty to notify of any changes in circumstances, which may affect either a Crisis Support or Community Care Support award. If requested the notification letter will be made available in alternative formats and languages. 5.2 Crisis Support reviews and appeals Crisis Support Review requests A review request can be lodged against a Crisis Support decision as follows: A review request of a Crisis Support application should be made within 7 working days of the notification of the decision being made, or a longer period if considered reasonable The review should be made in writing, verbally or by The review can be made by the applicant, appointee, carer, advocate or a third party, with the applicant s consent where appropriate Where a review is made, a senior officer will conduct a review of the decision and will aim to contact the applicant with the outcome within three working days of the review request being received. The review of the initial decision will be conducted by an officer different to the one who made the initial decision and the outcome will be notified verbally by telephone and confirmed in writing. The decision will inform applicant of their appeal rights Crisis Support Appeals A review outcome will contain details of how an applicant can pursue an appeal of the decision if they are not satisfied with the outcome of their review request

19 An appeal request against a Crisis Support review should be made within 7 working days of the notification of the review decision being made, or a longer period if considered reasonable The appeal request should be made in writing, verbally or by The appeal request can be made by the applicant, appointee, carer, advocate or a third party, with the applicant s consent where appropriate Where an appeal request is made, an officer will conduct a review of the decision and will aim to contact the applicant within five working days of the appeal request with the outcome being received. The review of the initial decision will be conducted by a senior officer different to the officer who conducted the review. The outcome will be notified both verbally by telephone and in writing. 5.3 Community Care Support reviews and appeals Community Care Support reviews Review requests about Community Care Support decision will be dealt with as follows: A review request about a Community Care Support decision should be made within one calendar month of the notification of the decision being made. The review can be made in writing, verbally or by The review can be made by the applicant, appointee, carer, their advocate or a third party, with the applicant s consent where appropriate Where a review request is made, an officer will aim to conduct a review of the decision within one month of the review request being received. Any additional information supplied to support the review request will be considered. The review will be conducted by an officer different to the one who made the initial decision and the outcome will be notified in writing. The decision notification will inform the applicant of their appeal rights Community Care Support appeals An appeal request of a Community Care Support review should be made within one month of the notification of the review decision being made, or a longer period if considered reasonable The appeal should be lodged in writing, verbally or by The appeal request can be made by the applicant, appointee, carer, advocate or a third party, with the applicant s consent where appropriate Any additional information supplied to support the appeal will be considered. Where an appeal request is made, a senior officer will conduct a review of the decision and will aim to conduct the appeal and contact the applicant with the outcome within one month of the appal request being received. The appeal will be conducted by an officer different to the one who made the initial decision and the outcome will be notified verbally by telephone and confirmed in writing

20 6. Assessment of income When deciding the potential support to be provided the applicant s income, savings and capital will be taken in to consideration. Applicants stated outgoings will be considered. In addition the following is also taken into account: Whether other funds such would be more appropriate to meet the items or services being requested. For example Budgeting Loans (see Appendix E) and Discretionary Housing Payments (see Appendix L). All available DWP routes are expected to be exhausted. The amount of Local Welfare Provision budget available for the remainder of the month and financial year Other Local Welfare Provision requests and awards being made and the overall impact on the remaining Local Welfare Provision budget available

21 7. Exclusions Support will not be awarded for certain excluded items see Appendix I Signposting to other agencies who can provide support will be given to the applicant see Appendix K There are also excluded groups of people see Appendix F

22 8. Monitoring arrangements for the Local Welfare Provision The Local Welfare Provision scheme is a new scheme and it has yet to be established what the exact level of need will be. Due to the economic climate and other Welfare Reform changes it is anticipated that demands may be higher than under the previous, national scheme. South Tyneside Council will monitor the number of Local Welfare Provision awards on a monthly and annual basis. The amount of money available for Local Welfare Provision is budget limited. The decision making times will also be monitored in order to assess whether the timescales detailed in this document are achievable. The Local Welfare Provision is an entirely new team of staff. There will be a thorough supervision of cases to ensure consistency in assessment and decision making. The Council will also monitor the type of referrals which organisations are making in to the scheme. Signposting and referrals made by staff will also be maintained. A network of local information will be maintained and regularly reviewed. Regular reports will be provided to the various relevant senior management teams and Council Members

23 9. Communicating the Local Welfare Provision Information on the Local Welfare Provision scheme will be provided on the South Tyneside Council website and in the Customer Service Centres. Leaflets will be available in relevant venues. The local DWP / Job Centre Plus offices will be made aware of South Tyneside s Local Welfare Provision scheme. South Tyneside Council will ensure that: information is available South Tyneside residents on the Local Welfare Provision scheme information is provided for front-line staff and elected members to ensure their knowledge of the scheme is both relevant and up to date Changes introduced as a result of the new Welfare Reform arrangements, including the Local Welfare Provision, are communicated effectively to residents especially in relation to what the Council administers and what it does not

24 10. Review of the policy This policy will be monitored on an ongoing basis and reviewed on a regular basis. The Local Welfare Provision scheme is working in an unknown and regular reviews are essential to ensure that the scheme is effective, whilst remaining within budget. Where possible feedback on the policy and operation of the scheme will be sought from applicants, council staff, Councillors, specialist referral organisations, other referral agencies and voluntary sector organisations with an interest in the Local Welfare Provision scheme

25 Appendix A DWP Funding Allocation to South Tyneside Council Purpose Amount 2012/13 Set up funding 5, /14 Programme funding 532, /14 Administration funding 112, /15 Programme funding 532, /15 Administration funding 103,

26 Appendix B DWP Social Fund Localisation Data 2011/12 Community Care Grants and Budgeting Loans South Tyneside 2011/2012 (Full Year) Community Awards & applications rounded to nearest 10 Care Grants Budgeting Loans Summary Number of Applications received 2,230 7,960 Total expenditure 404,100 2,195,500 Number of Awards 920 6,060 Lone Parent Status Lone Parent 33% 37% Not a Lone Parent 38% 35% Unknown 29% 29% Age of youngest child % 29% 6-8 5% 7% % 5% % 4% No children 16 or under 54% 55% Age of recipient Under 18 1% 0% 18 to 24 21% 19% 25 to 34 22% 27% 35 to 44 27% 20% 45 to 54 14% 15% 55 to 64 8% 10% 65 to 69 3% 4% 70 to 79 4% 3% 80 to 89 1% 0% 90 and over 0% 0% Unknown 0% 0% Household type Couple 21% 15% Single Female 53% 61% Single Male 25% 24%

27 Appendix C DWP Social Fund Localisation Data 2011/12 Crisis Loans South Tyneside 2011/2012 (Full Year) Crisis Loan Awards & applications rounded to nearest 10 Items Crisis Loan Living Expenses Crisis Loan Alignments Summary Number of Applications received 660 6,310 4,540 Total expenditure 64, , ,300 Number of Awards 370 4,700 4,150 Lone Parent Status Lone Parent 15% 19% 11% Not a Lone Parent 69% 66% 78% Unknown 16% 15% 11% Age of youngest child % 17% 11% 6-8 1% 3% 2% % 2% 2% % 2% 2% No children 16 or under 81% 75% 83% Age of recipient Under 18 1% 1% 3% 18 to 24 37% 35% 40% 25 to 34 28% 30% 27% 35 to 44 18% 19% 16% 45 to 54 13% 11% 11% 55 to 64 4% 3% 3% 65 to 69 0% 0% 0% 70 to 79 0% 0% 0% 80 to 89 0% 0% 0% 90 and over 0% 0% 0% Unknown 0% 0% 0% Household type Couple 8% 9% 6% Single Female 35% 39% 30% Single Male 57% 52% 64%

28 Appendix D DWP Budgeting Loan Data for 2011/12 monthly figures Local Authority: South Tyneside Budgeting Loans Applications Awards Expenditure Apr ,900 May ,500 Jun ,400 Jul ,500 Aug ,000 Sep ,300 Oct ,400 Nov-11 1, ,400 Dec ,300 Jan ,800 Feb ,800 Mar ,300 Awards and applications are rounded to the nearest 10, expenditure is rounded to the nearest

29 Appendix D (2) DWP Community Care Grant data for 2011/12 monthly figures Local Authority: South Tyneside Community Care Grants Applications Awards Expenditure Apr ,700 May ,000 Jun ,700 Jul ,200 Aug ,900 Sep ,400 Oct ,700 Nov ,700 Dec ,200 Jan ,400 Feb ,500 Mar ,900 Awards and applications are rounded to the nearest 10, expenditure is rounded to the nearest

30 Appendix D (3) DWP Crisis Loan data for 2011/12- monthly figures Crisis Loans - Living Expenses and Items Local Authority: South Tyneside Crisis Loans (Living Expenses) Applications Awards Expenditure Apr ,600 May ,800 Jun ,500 Jul ,000 Aug ,700 Sep ,000 Oct ,300 Nov ,000 Dec ,000 Jan ,500 Feb ,400 Mar ,500 Crisis Loans (Items) Applications Awards Expenditure Apr ,800 May ,100 Jun ,400 Jul ,100 Aug ,300 Sep ,800 Oct ,100 Nov ,900 Dec ,100 Jan ,500 Feb ,500 Mar ,

31 Crisis Loans - Alignment payments Local Authority: South Tyneside Crisis Loans (Alignment) Applications Awards Expenditure Apr ,500 May ,100 Jun ,200 Jul ,500 Aug ,900 Sep ,700 Oct ,600 Nov ,100 Dec ,700 Jan ,300 Feb ,500 Mar ,300 Awards and applications are rounded to the nearest 10, expenditure is rounded to the nearest

32 Appendix E DWP Information on short-term advances and budgeting advances Background The Discretionary Social Fund currently enables Budgeting Loans and Crisis Loans to be paid in certain circumstances. The Welfare Reform Act 2012 abolishes the discretionary Social Fund. In order to retain the protections currently available to benefit claimants via the Social Fund, new regulations will introduce a system of payments on account of benefit to replace Budgeting Loans and Crisis Loan alignment payments as well as Interim Payments of benefit. Short-term Advances will replace Interim Payments and Social Fund Crisis Loan alignment payments for all benefits from April 2013; Budgeting Advances will replace Social Fund Budgeting Loans for eligible Universal Credit claimants from April Budgeting Loans will continue to be available to those claiming legacy benefits until all such claims have either been closed or migrated to Universal Credit. Short-term Advances When someone makes, or is about to make, a new claim to benefit, they can sometimes encounter a period of financial need before receiving their first payment of benefit. Shortterm Advances of benefit will help claimants through that period by providing an advance of their future benefit award, which will then be recovered from subsequent payments of benefit. Short-term Advances will also be available: to claimants who have experienced a change of circumstances that will increase the amount of benefit to which they are entitled; where the first payment of benefit is made in respect of a period shorter than that in respect of which subsequent payments will be made (e.g. the first payment is made in respect of a week and the next payment is due to be paid in two weeks time and will be made in respect of those two weeks); or in cases where it is impractical for benefit to be paid on the due date (e.g. due to a technical problem in processing the claim or payment). Short-term Advances of benefit will be available to claimants of any contributory or income-related social security benefit, including Universal Credit, from 1st April To be eligible for a Short-term advance, the claimant must be able to demonstrate that they are in financial need. The Regulations will define financial need and guidance will assist Decision Makers in how to apply it to applicants. Decision Makers guidance will also provide for a maximum repayment period of three months, which may be extended to six months in exceptional circumstances

33 Budgeting Advances Currently, Budgeting Loans from the Social Fund are available to income-related benefit claimants who have been in receipt of such benefit for 26 weeks or more. They are intended to help claimants defray intermittent expenses such as needing to buy essential items such as furniture or household equipment, or expenses related to, for example, maternity or starting work. Budgeting Advances will replace Budgeting Loans for Universal Credit claimants from 1st April 2013 to ensure that those with the lowest incomes claiming Universal Credit will continue to have access to an interest-free alternative to high-cost lending for emergency and unforeseen expenses. Budgeting Loans will continue to be available for those claiming legacy benefits until all such claims have been closed or migrated to Universal Credit. Budgeting Advances will reflect existing Budgeting Loan eligibility requirements and available amounts. As such, Budgeting Advances will in most cases require the claimant to have been claiming Universal Credit - or have had a continuous claim to a legacy income-related benefit migrating to Universal Credit - for at least six months. To maintain work incentives however, that requirement does not apply if the expense for which a Budgeting Advance is required is necessary as a consequence of the claimant obtaining or retaining employment. Budgeting Advances are available only to those on the lowest incomes (just as access to Budgeting Loans is restricted to those receiving income-related benefits) and the Regulations will specify a maximum earnings threshold for eligibility to a Budgeting Advance. The maximum Budgeting Advance available for a claimant will depend on whether the Universal Credit claim is in respect of a single person or a couple, and on whether the claimant is responsible for any children or qualifying young people. The Regulations will specify the maximum loan for each of those categories of claimant and any reductions to apply in respect of capital held by the claimant or their partner. There will be some clear differences from Budgeting Loans in that Budgeting Advances are intended to discourage dependency on the benefit system and long-term repayment of loans, enabling claimants to take better personal responsibility for their own finances. Decision Makers guidance will set out a maximum recovery period of 12 months, extendable to 18 months in exceptional circumstances, which compares to 104 weeks for a Budgeting Loan. Additionally, claimants will not be eligible for a Budgeting Advance if they have an earlier Budgeting Loan or Budgeting Advance that has not been fully repaid

34 Appendix F Local Welfare Provision - Excluded applicants Some people in certain circumstances cannot have a Crisis Support award. These are: residents in care homes with no plans for discharge within 2 weeks hospital in patients with no plans for discharge within 2 weeks people lawfully detained or on release on temporary licence members of a religious order who are being fully maintained by it people treated as in full-time relevant education whio are not entilted to Income Support (IS), income based Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) or income related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) There are also limits to the kind of Crisis Support some people in certain circumstances can get: students and people from abroad, not entilted to Income Support, income based JSA, or income related ESA, can only get an award because of a disaster people failing the habitual residence test and peolple from abroad and, not entilted to IS, income based JSA, or income related ESA, can only get an award because of a disaster people whose benefit claim is disqualified, disallowed or sanctioned can only get an award because of a disaster If you have applied for Community Care Support for the same items or services within the last 28 days, and there has not been a relevant change of circumstances, then your apllication will be refused

35 Appendix G Local Welfare Provision - Community Care Support categories: One of the following Community Care criteria must be satisfied to be eligible for an award. Help is available for applicants/ their family members demonstrating that their needs are in one of the following categories: To help ease experiencing exceptional pressures on families To help people stay in the community For people moving out of residential / institutional accommodation For essential travel expenses For planned resettlements into the community For prisoners / young offenders on temporary leave This is in addition to the qualifying conditions on: Benefit entitlement The item is not an excluded item Capital The applicant must not be an excluded person To help ease exceptional pressures on the applicant and their family. An award can be given to ease exceptional pressure on an applicant or their immediate family members. Pressures on the applicant and the family may be of any sort: social, financial, legal, behavioural, family or health-related. They may feature in isolation, or a family may face a combination of pressures. What causes exceptional pressure can cover a very wide range of personal circumstances and all cases have to be decided on their individual basis from the available information. Depending on the individual circumstances, the types of situation constituting exceptional pressures could include: breakdown of a relationship; reconciliation of an established relationship; domestic violence;

36 the onset of, or deterioration in, health issues affecting a member of the family sudden domestic upheaval (such as a natural disaster or house fire) To be eligible under this category the applicants must demonstrate that the exceptional pressure emanates from more than just low income. The pressure must be affecting the applicant and the family and it must be demonstrated how an Award grant will help ease or relieve the pressure. Support to stay in your home and prevent a move into residential care or hospital Applicants may receive Community Care Support if this will help them, or an immediate member of the family, in the community, rather than enter residential care or hospital. The award does not have to prevent you going into care, and the risk does not have to be immediate, but it must be shown how an Award would improve your independence in the community and therefore reduce or remove the risk of going on to care. There should be a present or reasonably foreseeable risk of entry into institutional or residential accommodation in which the applicant or other relevant person will receive care not where it represents a remote possibility at some point in the future. Instructional or residential care could be one of the following: Hospitals residential care homes nursing homes, hostels prisons and youth centres foster care. The applicant or other relevant person should be receiving a significant and substantial amount of care, supervision or protection because they are unable to live independently in the community or might be a danger to others in the community if they were to do so. Some of the factors considered when making a decision will include: How immediate or imminent is the likelihood of going into such accommodation Is there a direct link between the threat of care and the need in question Is there a history of admission in to care How long they are anticipated to remain in such accommodation Whether the type of item or service required would prevent or delay entering such accommodation If the support will reduce the frequency of stays in such accommodation Priority will be given to elderly people or people with disabilities

37 Some examples are: Help with expenses for improving their home to maintain living conditions Help to move to a more suitable place to live or to be nearer someone who will give them care and support. Support to move back into the community after a stay in institutional or residential care Applicants may receive a Community Care Support award if they are leaving accommodation in which they have received significant and substantial care, protection or supervision. Examples of such accommodation are: Hospital or other medical establishment Care or nursing home Hostel Staff intensive sheltered or supported housing Local authority care Prison or detention centre Short term supported housing Bed and breakfast accommodation with a high level of floating support Not only must applicants be leaving one of these places, they must be establishing themselves in the community and not just transferring from one institution to another. Account is taken of both the length of time the applicants were receiving care or support within the accommodation, and the level of individual care and supervision that they received while they were living there in order to assess the level of support required. Items considered under this category will be items required setting up home and living independently or items needed because of a disability. Travel Expenses A Community Care Support award may be made to assist an applicant and / or a member of their family with travel expenses in the following circumstances: Visit a close relative who is ill in hospital Attend a close relative s funeral Help ease a domestic crisis Visit a chid who is with the other parent pending a court decision Move to suitable accommodation

38 Setting up home in the community, as part of a planned resettlement programme, following an unsettled way of life If applicants are setting up home in the community as part of a resettlement programme following an unsettled life the applicant may be able to get a Community Care Support payment. Setting up home in the community involves tasks such as securing, furnishing and equipping a home, applying for housing benefit and arranging for the connection of utilities. In order to be eligible under this category part of the resettlement programme must involve helping the applicant to set up home; and.part of the programme must involve broader activities/actions designed to help the applicant resettle in the community. The extra elements of a planned programme could address a wide range of different issues dependent upon the applicant s particular circumstances. However, they should involve equipping the applicant with skills and knowledge he needs to sustain a settled way of life in the community. Examples of people who have been without a settled way of life may have been: Using a night shelter Staying in a hostel Sleeping on the streets or in a make-shift shelter on the streets Using an emergency winter shelter Using a temporary supported lodging scheme Staying in temporary accommodation provided by the Home Office pending a decision on their application for asylum in this country Using a combination of these To help care for a prisoner or young offender on temporary release Community Care Support may be made to allow an applicant or their partner to care for a prisoner or young offender on temporary release. The award will be for essential expenses to enable you to provide that care this may be for day to day living expenses. Application will be assessed for the additional living expenses required for the offender. The applicant s income and financial commitments will be considered to assess whether the additional costs could be met from existing resources. Proof of the offenders leave must be provided