Plz Help Community Care Grant really need advice from ppl in the know

chinesedeli

Hi there, my daughter and I are currently on the Homelessness Register as we were living in a hostel then got moved to a unsecured flat and we have now had some good news that we can move into a secured 2 bedroom house end of May!!
I am so excited but am really worried about being refused for a CCG. We do not have much in the flat and things like the fridge etc are my friends so will have to go back when I move. Can anyone help me with how to apply for a CCG? I never get much luck with things like this but would need to carpet the new house, get curtains, bed etc. I would really appreciate any advice here as I do not have any extra money and would hate getting a social loan out as it is another bill to pay. Thank you everyone for taking the time to read my post xx

cattie

Do you have a support worker who can help you apply? Only this is often the best way. If not, can you get a welfare rights helper to help you apply? It's just that people with experience of these things know how to word the application to stand the best chance of success.

For a lot of the items you require to furnish & equip your new home, check out http://www.uk.freecycle.org/ as you can get most things you're likely to be needing, although you might just need to be patient for some items to be offered. If you do apply for items from freecycle, always state your circumstances & remember to say please & thank you as this really does help.

Unfortunately lots of things are not considered essential to DWP, such as a fridge, so the money they allocate you is unlikely to get you everything you are going to need.

Another thing to check out is if your local council have a furniture storage facility, as most councils operate these for people in your situation. You can get furniture, appliances, pots & pans etc, again most things you'd be likely to need to start off. Items are used, but generally in good condition.

Congratulations on getting the house by the way & hope you'll be happy there.

AsknAnswer

There is no special way to complete the application which will guarantee an award, as it is a discretionary payment. However I would echo the previous poster and enlist the help of a welfare rights worker (you can find them via your council) or the CAB. Both are free services, and can also act on your behalf.

In addition, any letters of support would help from professionals such as your health visitor, GP, housing officer, anyone who can professionally back up your claim and the fact that you have lived an unsettled way of life. The CCG will only allow for certain things. A fridge may not be considered a neccessity for some but to an insulin dependent diabetic who has to keep his insulin chilled, it would be considered an essential item. It's certainly not an excluded item. "Luxury" items such as television sets are excluded as they are not considered as something you cannot survive without.

mealone

To get a CCG you must be in reciept of certain benefits* and you can only claim for essentials like beds, bedding and a cooker. You can claim again 28 days later for anything not funded by the first grant but again the criteria is very tight.

*Normally means tested benefits but not solely

chinesedeli

Thank you everyone for all of your replies it is very much appreciated to see people writing things to help me out.
I am interested about the Welfare rights worker, can anyone speak to them and get them to help?
I am on IS as my partner went to prison last year and we have been in a hostel so I have a pretty much unsettled way of life over the last couple of years through no fault of my own.
I am still on the Homelessness Register but have never had a support worker so that would be interesting if I could get them to help me. Has anyone had any good experiences getting a CCG?

cattie

It's a pity you don't seem to have been allocated a support worker after what you've been through.

Yes, anybody can see a welfare rights worker & get help from them. The most well known organisation is CAB but some councils run their own service. If you ring your local council, they will tell you if they operate a welfare rights service or if they don't they can give you details of any organisations offering such a service in your area.


When you do see a welfare rights worker, ask if there are any support groups in your area too that may be of help to you.

Really the hostel should have such information to hand too, both for any welfare rights organisations & any possible support groups.

Here is more info on the CCG http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Caringforsomeone/DG_10018921

The grants are not difficult for people to get in your circumstances.