Other financial help available:
Social Fund
Applications can be made to the DSS Social Fund for Community Care Grants, Budgeting Loans or Crisis Loans.
These are discretionary payments.
In order to apply for a payment, you must be in receipt of Income Support (except for Crisis Loans).
Applications can be made for essential items – such as bedding or furniture – or for travel costs to visit someone in hospital.
Application forms are available from your local DSS, or from Neighbourhood Offices or Citizens Advice Bureau.
Family Fund
The Family Fund is a Government funded trust that aims to ease the stress on families who care for very disabled children. The fund allocates grants to families for items or services not available through your health authority or local authority. Help can be given with taxi fares, laundry equipment, holidays, bedding and clothing, driving lessons, play equipment, decorating and many more things.
Application forms are available from:
The Family Fund
P.O. Box 50
York
YO1 9ZX
Tel: 01904 621115
Education Maintenance Allowance:
Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is a payment that can be claimed for those aged between 16 and 19 who are in full time education.
The EMA can pay up to:
- £30.00 per week during term time
- An additional £80.00 each term for good attendance
- An additional £140.00 each year if agreed standards are met.
The amount payable is affected by the income of parents (or of the student if s/he receives a social security benefit in their own right).
Eligibility for EMA does not affect entitlement to other social security benefits.
EMA is usually paid for a period of two years, but if a pupil has a statement of special educational needs then the allowance can be paid for three years.
In order to qualify for the EMA, the pupil, parents and school or college have to sign a learning agreement.
For EMA purposes, full time education means at least 12 hours per week.
For more information contact:
EMA Assessment & Payment Body
Freepost NAT11897
Darlington
DL1 1BR
Tel: 08081016219
