Community Care Grant Help Please?

yoitsme123

Hi,
I have just got myself a property with the local council. I had applied for a community care grant but got turned down for some reason but they did not actually state the reason. Here is the letter,

On 30th march you applied for a community care grant..... After considering your application we have decided we cannot pay you a community care grant for the follwing reason's

* we can pay community care grants to help people in cetrain cercumstances for example:
- to return to, or stay in, the community rather than having to be in care
- to return to the community from places like detention centres
- to cope with exceptional pressure on themselves and their famiys
- to set up home in the community as part of a resettled way of life
- to visit someone ill

After looking at your application and personal circumstances, we have decided that the qualifying conditions for a payment of a community care grant are not satisfied.

I do not think this is a proper answer as to why??

Now i have been signed off with ESA for the past 3years and just passed my medical with severe depression.. I have nothing in the house what so ever and had to take this flat due to sleeping sofa to sofa for the past however months this including at my mothers but i am not allowed to live there hence having to take the flat.

I would think that i would fall into the category "Exceptional Pressure" due to my current illness and the way it is affecting my life. I have reviewed and send pictures of the property to the decision maker. But i am scared that this is just going to come back the same. I have stated in the review how this is affecting myself with worry and discomfort.

Could anyone please give me advice and help on this? As i have no other way or getting furniture for my house.

thankyou kind regards,

brod_2

Hi
I too claimed for a community care grant not so long ago. I was also turned down. Like your self I have mental health problems.

I got in touch with a welfare rights officer and she appealed for me, under the descriptor you have mentioned. I received £480.

Hope this helps xx

Mikazaru

yoitsme123 wrote: »

Hi,

Could anyone please give me advice and help on this? As i have no other way or getting furniture for my house.

thankyou kind regards,[/COLOR]

I can't adivse on the CCG but have a look at Freecycle, people give all sorts of furniture and appliances away on there so you may be able to get some of the things you want from there.

Chrissiew

They dont usualy give you a personal reason, they just expect you to know why you have been turned down by showing you the list of requirements.

Its really difficult now to get any sort of loan or grant from the DWP due to money shortage and they have a certain amount to use and when its gone its gone, they have to try and save some for those who come up against some disaster or dire emergency.

Try appealing but that will take time and in the meantime you have nothing in your flat, as another poster mentioned try freecycle, people get rid of some lovely stuff for free, and it will be better than waiting weeks and weeks to see if you win the appeal.

cattie

You've had good advice here already re appealing & trying Freecycle.

The other place to try is your local council as many have furniture stores for people who are being resettled after being homeless or living in hostels.
Most items needed to set up home are generally available, pots & pans, linens etc. Items are generally 2nd user, but in very good condition.

Good luck & once you get sorted I hope you'll be happy in your new flat.

yoitsme123

brod wrote: »

Hi
I too claimed for a community care grant not so long ago. I was also turned down. Like your self I have mental health problems.

I got in touch with a welfare rights officer and she appealed for me, under the descriptor you have mentioned. I received £480.

Hope this helps xx

Thankyou, Who was it you contacted was is the CAB or someone else? Are you a single person also like myself? I have appealed myself, But if it does come back then i will seek assistance to appeal to the IRS and i will ask someone to appeal on my behalf. How long does it take for a appeal?

Also this is taken from the IRS website

[SIZE=-1]If someone is already living in the community, but has difficulty managing.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]The key test is that a grant would help improve the person's ability to live in the community to the extent that it would lessen the risk of them entering care. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=-1]For example, you may have health problems that mean you have difficulty coping with things like domestic chores or looking after yourself. A grant might be awarded to help with the cost of things that would help you cope with your problems, such as household equipment, furniture or removal costs if you need to move to a more suitable home. [/SIZE]

I have been sleeping couch to couch maybe something i should put into my appeal nextime fingers crossed if it doesn't come back.

Also i have tried freecycle but there doesnt seem to be anything in my area.

Any more information would be grateful thank you for your replys.