Social Fund Rejection - Any Advice?

Oldernotwiser

toocleverbyhalf wrote: »

I phoned IB to clarify this and they said to let them know when I find a job. I don't make the rules.

But you're supposed to notify people if there's been a change of circumstances, which there must have been here.

Oldernotwiser

gravitytolls wrote: »

Cor judgemental lot on here, I wonder how many who tell the OP what she SHOULD be doing with her money have her experiences? none? Of course not, you're not her.

I don't think it's judgmental to point out that saving up for something is the same as repaying a loan, because not everybody thinks like that.

toocleverbyhalf

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

But you're supposed to notify people if there's been a change of circumstances, which there must have been here.

There hasnt been a change of circumstances. I've been advised not to look for work yet by my doctor because of my health problems but I choose to if only because of my financial situation.

karenx

If you are wanting to work then ask to get put onto JSA and they will help you to find a job
What about your sons dad can he not buy a bed?

toocleverbyhalf

My son's father is very ill & also receiving benefits. He's not an option.

2gorgeousgirls

It makes me angry that I'm doing everything I can to find a job but there's very little where I live but in the meantime I couldn't go on ESA if I wanted to (I've been told that I will be contacted in due course). I do want to go on ESA & be put in the work group but I have to wait. I just wanted to defend myself a bit.[/QUOTE]


You don't have to be on ESA to receive help to get back to work. As you are on IB you can volunteer to participate in the Pathways programme.

However, as other posters have pointed out, if you feel you are fit for work, you should be on JSA. As you have not worked for a long time I believe (but someone correct me if I am wrong) you would be on income based JSA and therefore qualify for a budgeting loan.

suelees1

People on here love to tell you how you should run your life and gleefully point the finger when they know they should be keeping their opinions to themselves.

The fact is you're not eligible for a BL or a CCG because you're not on a qualifying benefit. If you got a grant in the past and your circumstances were the same then they made a mistake.

The only loan which doesn't require you to be in receipt of a qualifying benefit is a crisis loan but you have to be in pretty dire straits to get one of those. They do tell you it's only if there has been a disaster but that's not specifically true.

It sounds like you got one last year for the cooker but since Mar/April this year it's a much more stringent test.

jetplane

OMG some of these posts are just so judgemental. It must be the lack of oxygen to the brain up there in their ivory towers

OP if you have already qualified for a CCG & BL then they have either made a mistake or something has changed.

Existing long term on benefits is not easy which is why the social fund is there. Not everyone has great money managing skills either.

For a budgeting loan the claimant only has to tick a box for the general area so they can spend it on whatever they like including a holiday.

The OP doesn't need to sign on if she looks for work she can do permitted work and if she starts work after coming off IB she can get the Return to Work Credit. The lone parent credit might not be applicable if she's not on IS.

Prinzessilein

OP - you have applied three times this year for a Social Fund Grant, and been rejected each time. You need to look at other ways of getting the bed for your son and other necessities.

I suggest looking at charity shops. In my town their is a British Heart Foundation shop that sells furniture - including beds. The prices are very affordable.

Your son's father is on sickness benefits, but I don't see how that excuses him from his duties and responsibilities as a father. Buying a new bed from somewhere like a BHF shop would not be ruinously expensive - I would certainly ask the father for half the cost!

toocleverbyhalf

Is this some sort of lynching? It's NOBODY's buisness about my sons father & what he does or doesn't provide. You don't know me or my situation and you wouldn't like it if I did it to you.
I came on here to ask for advice & all I've had is judgement, apart from a few people. Those people will be pleased to know that I now have a bed & bedding for my son thanks to some kind neighbours. So the whole question is now a bit academic. So thankyou to the people who were genuinely helpful.