Am I eligible for a hardship fund? 30 October 2020 at 4:46PM in Benefits & tax credits 11 replies 531 views

Greg89

I cannot get a short term loan, I need money for work and I had an illness which I had to have a week off so hence do not get paid as an agency worker where I will get paid next week.
Will I be eligible for a hardship fund or a social fund payment?

poppy12345

What benefits if any do you currently claim?

Greg89

poppy12345 said:

What benefits if any do you currently claim?

I do not claim benefits now. I was on UC until April.

KatrinaWaves

I am not aware of anything for people taking a weeks unpaid leave if they don’t qualify for other benefits 

elsien

If you are really struggling, you may be able to access food from a food bank. 
I'm not aware of anything that would cover your for a week, other than an overdraft or credit card, if you have the facility. 

poppy12345

Do you have family that you can ask for help?

Greg89

Thanks everyone. 
I do have family, but I hardly think they will help for as little temporary for 1 week. 

KatrinaWaves

Greg89 said:

Thanks everyone. 
I do have family, but I hardly think they will help for as little temporary for 1 week. 

If you ‘hardly think’ your family will help for such a little thing, why do you think there would be a grant for such ‘little temporary’ hardship... 

pmduk

Even if you did qualify for a hardship payment, the application process will probably take more than a week. Most such funds are overwhelmed currently.

Greg89

I thought there would be a grant to be honest.
I guess I will have to wait for next thursday when my income comes in. I could ask my father for help.

MovingForwards

Were you not entitled to SSP from the agency, a few days pay is better than none. It should be in the handbook under sickness/ absence of something similar to that.