Commuinty Grant/Budgeting Loan

outofmoney

Apologies if I am posting in the wrong place but wasn't sure what this should go under.

We desperately need a new washer dryer. Our current one no longer dries and the washer floods the floor far too often. If it doesn't do that it just stops and refuses to spin. The children also need either new beds or mattresses. They have had them at least 6 years and there is only so much urine/sick and pounding a cheap mattress can take.

We have two disabled children so the mattresses need to be decent plus ideally with removable washable covers.

Our daughter is in a shorty high sleeper and not only wants a 'normal bed' but at 14 she wants one that is more appropriate to her height!

Anyone, we are applying for a community grant. But we also asked for budgeting loan forms.

Do we need to fill in both? If we do will they just go for the loan? If we only do the Community Grant one and they refuse will they automatically offer a budgeting loan?

Plus what do you reckon our chances are of getting the above?

Sorry for all the questions, hope someone can help.

pmlindyloo

Have a look here for information:

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/your_money/benefits/help_for_people_on_a_low_income_-_the_social_fund.htm

Have you tried freecycle for any of the items you need? They often have some very good things which are being given away.

outofmoney

The mattresses need to be new really otherwise they might as well keep the ones they have. I have asked twice for the washer dryer but with no response sadly. Have seen loads of offers of broken ones but since I haven't a clue about electrical things not really much good to me.

Thanks for the link, had checked it before but sadly does not give the information I am after.

dmg24

Why do the mattresses new to be new? I have given away a mattress that was a few years old but still near perfect.

outofmoney

The mattresses are for disabled children. Ideally I'd like them to be well made rather than the cheap ones you get with most kids beds. I haven't given all details above but due to extreme lack of space the children can only lay in the beds so they need to be well supported since they are on them for around 12 hours a day. One of them already suffers in pain so I don't want to make this any worse by having an unsuitable mattress. Also I have seen some with removable/washable covers which is ideal for any little accidents.

So...They do not need to be new but the chances of getting good quality ones on freecycle are pretty slim.

pmlindyloo

Hi

Me again!

Without wishing to pry and feel free to not answer - what special needs do your children have?

I am wondering if you are claiming all the benefits you are eligible for and if, because of your children's needs, there may be extra financial help for you.

pmlindyloo

To answer your actual question I think you would do best to apply for the Community Grant first and then if that is refused then apply for the Budgeting Loan (obviously the grant you don't have to pay back and the loan you do!).

I believe the grants and loans come out of the Social Fund and therefore the chances of your being successful may also depend on whether your local authority has any money left in their Social fund.

If this is incorrect perhaps some other peeps would kindly correct me!

Another link for you:

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/paying_for_a_home/social_fund_grants_and_loans/budgeting_loans

dmg24

outofmoney wrote: »

The mattresses are for disabled children. Ideally I'd like them to be well made rather than the cheap ones you get with most kids beds. I haven't given all details above but due to extreme lack of space the children can only lay in the beds so they need to be well supported since they are on them for around 12 hours a day. One of them already suffers in pain so I don't want to make this any worse by having an unsuitable mattress. Also I have seen some with removable/washable covers which is ideal for any little accidents.

So...They do not need to be new but the chances of getting good quality ones on freecycle are pretty slim.

The problem is that we do not live in an ideal world, and even if you get funding from the DWP, they will only pay for a basic mattress. Therefore you may well get something better from Freecycle, albeit a few years old. If you think that your children need special mattresses due to their conditions, you would be best to ask for an OT assessment.

outofmoney

Many Thanks.

One child has autism and hypertonia, the other has been diagnosed with ADHD but we actually think this is wrong and he has something on the Autistic Spectrum.

We get middle rate DLA for them both.

pmlindyloo

OK thanks.

Have found another link for you - might help with grants.

http://www.turn2us.org.uk/

Broken_hearted

How about the family fund.