Community Care Grants

emshams

Hi

This is my first post so please be gentle.

The housing have told me i can apply for a Community Care Grant as i am leaving an abusive situation.

I need furniture as i have nothing. I need a washing machine, fridge, freezer, cooker and everything for a kitchen, living room furniture, bedroom furniture - EVERYTHING :undecided

The thing is i'm not sure how much to ask the CCG people for. i need a lot of stuff, but i dont want them to think i'm taking the mick. And i'm not fussy in terms of it all having to be brand new, as long as it works and is in serviceable condition i'll be as happy as a pig in the proverbial.

Does anyone know how much i can ask for? i'm so grateful for the housings help (it's taken them two weeks to move me out) and i dont want to be seen as a mickey taker.

Does anyone know if they have an average price for an item and stick to that- like price guidelines? like £150 for a washing machine.

dmg24

Hi emshams,

Welcome to MSE.

There is a guide to CCG's here which will give you an idea of what they will pay for.

One thing I would point out is that they will only pay for essential items, and unless you have a health need which requires it, I doubt that they would pay for a washing machine. However, there is no harm in asking!

With regard to prices, I would put down what you think is reasonable, and if they think that you are asking too much, they will tell you.

The link also gives information about the other types of assistance that are available, so it is certainly worth reading x

emshams

thanks! :beer:

the link is very useful

i've saved the pdf.

When i went into the housing, the rehousing officer i saw said that i wouldnt have to pay anything out of my own pocket (not that i have anything anyway) to kit out my new flat. She said it would all be paid for.

So not unless i'm entitled to other benefits as well then. To be honest there was a lot to take in when i saw the rehousing officer.

I'll probably speak to the officer again next week as i'm 1st on a few properties on homechoice.

thanks again, i just didnt want them to think i was taking the mick.

kendalls_cave

When i came out of an abusive situation 2.5 years ago I got a CCG too. My social worker and me listed everything I needed and took the prices fro the argos catalogue. SW said that way the benefits people can see you're been reasonable. I did get money for a washer, so it is worth asking. I got it for everything. Maybe it's cos I was coming out of an abusive situation and they knew that. Hope it goes well

emshams

I hope things are better for you now.

thanks for the advice. i'll make out a complete list.

someone has given me an ikea book which is cheaper than i thought it would be (i've never been in ikea before) so i'll put prices from there and argos.

The rehousing officer also said i will be referred to the tenants support service, who will make sure everything is ok as i am resettling, and also will look after me once i have sucessfully moved into the flat.

thanks

kendalls_cave wrote: »

When i came out of an abusive situation 2.5 years ago I got a CCG too. My social worker and me listed everything I needed and took the prices fro the argos catalogue. SW said that way the benefits people can see you're been reasonable. I did get money for a washer, so it is worth asking. I got it for everything. Maybe it's cos I was coming out of an abusive situation and they knew that. Hope it goes well

kendalls_cave

I suggest the argos book as my SW said that the benefits people check prices with the too. I also got a tenancy support worker - a life line in those early days of leaving. It's scary, but you can do it PM me if you want any support.

alwaysonthego_2

Hi, also try freecycle.org who should have a group in your area. It is people who are giving away items such as furniture or you can put in a request for things too. Things that have been given away on my group have included tvs, washing machines etc. Good luck.

emshams

Thank you all :beer:

I've joined Freecycle as well

Gillianh2

No advice other than what you have already recieved just wanted to wish you well, in your new home and heres to a better future for you.

spidyem_frued

hello....read your post....Your best bet is to use the argos catalogue and count about 5 up from the cheapest and put that amount. that way it is not the most expensive nor will be talking to them again for a machine that broke down because you went of the cheap one. There is a knack to filling them out, which is rarely talked about. I went on the training on how to fill out and was surprised.
Most people who apply for stuff are in need of alot so don't be shy, if it means it will help you, then ask. I will try and get on line more to help out. Spids