Budget loans

Justme1710

Hi everyone,

I have moved home 6 months ago asit was a cheaper option, however I am still without necessities such as a washer and some carpets. I lost my job in feb it was very low paid but kept my head above water just. I was receiving income related jsa at first then moved onto esa in April due to ill health. I have only just discovered that there are budget loans available for people in my position but it states one has to recieve benefits for 26 weeks to qualify. Does anyone know if the duration of my jsa and esa would be linked when working this out by the dwp. Maybe if someone is reading this who actually works for them can tell me.

Thanks in advance.

Robbie64

The periods that you are in receipt of both benefits are linked together. Is the ESA income related? If it is then fine, if it is not (ie it is contributory based ESA only) then you won't meet the qualifying rules for a Budgeting Loan.

The Budgeting Loan forms asks if you have been in receipt of JSA, ESA etc for the past 26 weeks then gives boxes for you to write in the dates for each benefit - they will be able to see that there is a continuous period from your answer.

Robbie64

Posted for reference.

The "26 weeks" rule is explained in greater detail at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-social-fund-technical-guidance/the-social-fund-technical-guidance#budgeting-loans

See 4.1, bullet point 3, in the above link for the full 26 week qualifying period rule.

Gaps of up to 28 days are ignored when calculating the 26 week qualifying period.

Justme1710

Thanks so much Robbie for your replies, hopefully I can get the things I need soon.

missapril75

Robbie64 wrote: »

The Budgeting Loan forms asks if you have been in receipt of JSA, ESA etc for the past 26 weeks then gives boxes for you to write in the dates for each benefit - they will be able to see that there is a continuous period from your answer.

Although they will go by their own records about this despite what's entered on the form.

This is only a problem if there's been some computer glitch where records were maintained off line or "clerically" in the period involved.

paragon909

Doesn't your local council have a welfare scheme, Where i stay our local council issues furniture, like double beds, couches, appliances, home start packs etc, carpets, curtains

All brand new.