They give payments to help people on a low income with specific costs. Claims for any payments are dealt with by your local Jobcentre plus office. There are different types of payments you can get:
- Maternity Grants - You could get £500 to help with extra costs when you have your first child (or children if its a multiple birth). If your new baby isn't your first child, you can normally apply for a grant if your older children are all aged 16 or over.
Available if you get income support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit (at a rate above the family element) or Working Tax Credit (that includes a disability element)
- Funeral Payments - You could qualify for help towards the cost of a funeral for a close relative or close friend.
Available if you get income support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, or Child Tax Credit (at a rate above the family element) or Working Tax Credit (that includes a disability element)
- Cold Weather Payments - An automatic payment for people on certain benefits. Cold Weather Payments are paid when the temperature drops below a certain level over seven consecutive days.
- Crisis Loans - can provide financial help in a crisis situation if you have no other way of getting help. The money given to you has to be repaid to the Department of Works and Pensions.
- Budgeting Loans - can help with costs like moving home or buying items such as a cooker. This loan has to be repaid to the Department of Works and Pensions and is available to families on: Income Support, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance.
- Community Care Grants - A payment to ease 'exceptional pressures' on families. Unlike a loan, a grant does not need to be repaid.
To be eligible you must be on:
Income Support, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance.
Usually a grant is given for specific items, including clothing, bedding and other household items. The Community Care Grant can also help with the costs of visiting someone in hospital and is often awarded to families with disabled children or children with serious health problems. Each payment has its own set of criteria you need to meet to qualify. Some of the payments are discretionary, you might not be paid even if you meet the criteria.
The government plans to scrap Community Care Grants and Crisis Loans in April 2013.
