Community Care Grant question

mighty_reds

As part of my role as a support worker I have successfully supported quite a few peope that qualify for a CCG to obtain a CCG, mostly when moving into new accommodation during a period of resettlement.

Does anyone have a link or other source, or maybe just an educated "stab" at what items are deemed "eligible" for funding, especially in relation to resettlement into the community (which can often involve moving into a new flat or accommodation that has no household items or furniture)

Is there such a list or does it really come down to the discretion of the decision maker?

Any idea's on what items are specifically forbidden (I am not thinking about obvious things that would not get funded like a 42" Plasma TV lol)

NASA_2

The essentials are really what the CCG is for, sofa, bed, washing machine etc.

healy

ESA wrote: »

The essentials are really what the CCG is for, sofa, bed, washing machine etc.

I dont think washing machines are classed as essential.

di3004

Sorry to butt in.......:o, while on the subject, what about wardrobes for a child's bedroom?
I'm asking as my autistic son has a OT through social services and not thought about applying for this yet, but while hubby not working and myself being a carer for my son full time, am interested in knowing more about this myself.

However, I am to apply to family fund, not sure if they go for wardrobes etc, his bedroom is very small and everything squashed in, now the cupboards he has - has had their days, and falling apart.....:o
Cheers and again so sorry for butting in.;)

NASA_2

healy wrote: »

I dont think washing machines are classed as essential.

I'm sure I have seen them paid for

Been a while since I seen an award though.

zappster1966

The most important aspect is that the item for which funding is requested is needed to help them rehabilitate back into the community. Provided you can argue that the item is required & price it reasonably there's no limit to what you can apply for.

e.g. someone with Down's Syndrome is moving from long term institutional care into the community. That person & their carer will basically need everything going to help them on their way ... cooker, fridge, washing machine, beds, furniture, carpets ... the list's endless.

However a healthy young man moving from, say, prison to his own accommodation will have different needs. He doesn't need a washing machine, he can handwash. And not having a fridge might be inconvenient for him but he'll get by without. But if he needs a fridge, say, to store medicines in then a fridge might be reasonable in the circumstances.

And that's what it comes down to, the reasonableness of the CCG application, the items requested, the funds required & the customer's own circumstances. And that you can't codify into law via a neat little list, unfortunately, although if you're looking for such a list you might be best to contact Welfare Rights/CAB or trawl google for some ideas.

mighty_reds

zappster1966 wrote: »

The most important aspect is that the item for which funding is requested is needed to help them rehabilitate back into the community. Provided you can argue that the item is required & price it reasonably there's no limit to what you can apply for.

e.g. someone with Down's Syndrome is moving from long term institutional care into the community. That person & their carer will basically need everything going to help them on their way ... cooker, fridge, washing machine, beds, furniture, carpets ... the list's endless.

However a healthy young man moving from, say, prison to his own accommodation will have different needs. He doesn't need a washing machine, he can handwash. And not having a fridge might be inconvenient for him but he'll get by without. But if he needs a fridge, say, to store medicines in then a fridge might be reasonable in the circumstances.

And that's what it comes down to, the reasonableness of the CCG application, the items requested, the funds required & the customer's own circumstances. And that you can't codify into law via a neat little list, unfortunately, although if you're looking for such a list you might be best to contact Welfare Rights/CAB or trawl google for some ideas.

Excellent response thanks, and thanks to others too

healy

ESA wrote: »

I'm sure I have seen them paid for

Been a while since I seen an award though.

Washing machines are rarely awarded, decision makers usually argue that an applicant can use a laundrette, or hand-wash instead.

NASA_2

healy wrote: »

Washing machines are rarely awarded, decision makers usually argue that an applicant can use a laundrette, or hand-wash instead.

I dont work in DWP, I should point out, and while we have parity legislation there are still differences in how things are implemented. Maybe it is something that is looked on more leniently here.

dr_who_3

CCG awards are discretionary and can therefore vary from one decision maker to the next (although they do have regulations etc to abide by). It can also depend how much is available in the budget at the time - items are given a rating e.g high/medium/low priority and if the budget is limited it may be that only high priority items can be considered, regardless of the circumstances.
To be eligible you have to be in receipt of a qualifying benefit - Income support/ESA (income based)/JSA (income based) or pension credit.
You cannot get a CCG if you are only in receipt of Incapacity Benefit, DLA etc although your application could be considered for a crisis loan instead.
CCGs are designed to assist someone to resettle into the community, usually after a period in care (includes care homes, hospitals, hostels and prison) or to help them remain in the community rather than enter into care.
Carpets will only be awarded for a sitting room and possibly a young child's bedroom - you would not get them for any other rooms. Televisions and other entertainment items are vary rarely awarded, as are items which could be provided by other agencies e.g wheelchairs.
The grants really are for essential items only so it is a waste of time applying for things such as mirrors, clocks, dressing tables, bookcases, light shades etc and unless they have a valid medical reason an applicant will not be awarded a double bed if they are a single person.

Emma1973

Depends how generous the decision maker is at the time!

Have to say that we were turned down for carpets throughout the house, including the sitting room and a small childs bedroom, as well as a cooker because we had a borrowed microwave! Oh and a fridge!
Essental items mean different things to many people! I always say its worth applying for them, because you may be lucky, and if you dont you havent lost anything!