Appendix A
Other grants/funds/schemes for consideration in the award of an ELF grant
- the prison service is responsible for ensuring a discharged prisoner has suitable and adequate clothing (Prison Services Manual V). This is for both convicted prisoners upon release and prisoners held on remand (if their own is not fit to wear). It is therefore recommended that the Decision Maker checks with the prison/probation services if the application is for clothing. The normal rule is the applicant should have a change of clothing and sufficient protective clothing. The ex-prisoner may also be given a travel warrant to pay for travel back home or anywhere else in the British Isles or Republic of Ireland where they are going to settle down. Most prisoners are also given a discharge grant to cover living expenses for the first week after they leave prison.
- The Family Fund - This provides discretionary grants for families caring for a severely disabled child or children aged 17 or under. It is an independent Government funded organisation registered as a charity.
- items for severely disabled children that are the responsibility of a statutory agency such as the health authority, local government, social services, housing or education department. This would include;
- medical services such as equipment and continence supplies including nappies, buggies and wheelchairs - responsibility of health trusts or authorities
- equipment for daily living such as ramps, hoists and bath aids - responsibility of social services
- education equipment - responsibility of Children and Learning Department
- benevolent funds
- other sources of help as cited by websites such as Turn to Us
- maternity expenses as covered by the Sure Start Maternity Grant which is designed to pay for the immediate needs of a new baby
- funeral expenses as covered by the Funeral Payment regulated element of the Social Fund Scheme
- expenses which the Local Authority has a statutory duty to meet, for example the Disabled Facilities Grant
- DWP Cold Weather or Winter Fuel Payments
- expenses that could be covered by the DWP Budgeting Advance if the applicant meets the qualifying conditions
- The Benefit Advance - this is an advance of some of a claimants benefit made where they declare a financial need which may result in a serious damage to their health and/or welfare of them or their family, either at the start of a new claim or when a change means their benefit will significantly increase.
- NHS Healthy Start Scheme - provides vouchers to buy cows milk, fresh or frozen vegetables and instant formula milk and Healthy Start vitamins. It is for people who are pregnant or have a child under 4 if they are in receipt certain means tested benefits
- NHS Low Income Scheme - If a person has a low income they may be able to get help with the costs of prescriptions, dentists, eye care, healthcare travel, wigs and fabric supports through this scheme. The application form is available from the JobCentre, Hospital and most doctors, dentists and opticians.
This list is not exhaustive.