In times of extreme financial hardship, individuals and families in Wales can turn to the Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF) for emergency financial support.
The DAF is a scheme designed to assist those who are unable to meet their essential costs and have no other money or sources of support.
In this article, we will delve into the workings of the Discretionary Assistance Fund and provide you with everything you need to know.
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How does the Discretionary Assistance Fund work?
The Discretionary Assistance Fund offers two types of assistance to eligible individuals: the Emergency Assistance Payment (EAP) and the Individual Assistance Payment (IAP).
Emergency Assistance Payment (EAP)
The Emergency Assistance Payment is designed to provide immediate financial aid to individuals who are facing a crisis or emergency situation.
This type of payment helps individuals meet their essential needs during times of acute financial hardship.
Whether it’s a sudden loss of income, an unforeseen expense, or a disaster, the EAP aims to offer swift assistance to those in urgent need.
Individual Assistance Payment (IAP)
The Individual Assistance Payment is intended to support vulnerable individuals who require assistance to live independently in their community.
This payment helps individuals cover essential living costs and maintain a reasonable standard of living.
It can assist with expenses such as food, heating, clothing, and other ongoing bills that are crucial to maintaining a basic quality of life.
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Am I eligible for the DAF Fund?
To determine if you are eligible for assistance from the Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF), it is essential to understand the criteria for the Emergency Assistance Payment (EAP) and the Individual Assistance Payment (IAP). Let’s explore the eligibility requirements for each of these support options:
Emergency Assistance Payment (EAP)
To be eligible for an Emergency Assistance Payment (EAP) from the DAF, you must meet the following criteria:
Extreme Financial Hardship: You must be experiencing extreme financial hardship, such as unemployment, awaiting your first benefit payment, or lacking funds to purchase essential items like food, gas, and electricity.
Crisis Situation: You must be facing a crisis situation that requires immediate financial support.
Residence in Wales: You must live in Wales to qualify for the EAP.
Age Requirement: You must be 16 years of age or older.
Lack of Alternative Funds: You should have no other accessible money, including savings, and have explored all other responsible lending options, such as credit unions.
Individual Assistance Payment (IAP)
The Individual Assistance Payment (IAP) has specific eligibility criteria for certain items. If you are applying for a fridge, cooker, washing machine (white goods), or furniture through an approved partner, you must meet the following requirements:
Residence in Wales: You must be a resident of Wales.
Age Requirement: You must be 16 years of age or older.
Lack of Alternative Funds: You should have no access to other sources of money and have exhausted all other affordable funding options, such as credit unions.
Care Home and Prison Exclusions: You should not be living in a care home unless you will be discharged within the next six weeks. Similarly, you should not be in prison unless your release is scheduled within the next six weeks.
Religious Order Membership: You should not be a member of a fully maintained religious order.
Additionally, to be eligible for the IAP, you must be receiving one of the following benefits:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Guaranteed Credit element of Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
Furthermore, you must meet one of the following conditions:
Transitioning from a Care Home or Institution: You are leaving a care home or institution, such as a hospital, prison, or foster care, after a minimum of three months and are transitioning to independent living.
Community Living Preference: You prefer to continue living in the community rather than being admitted to an institution, such as a hospital or care home.
Settling into a New Home: You are setting up a home after a period of an unsettled way of life.
Relationship Breakdown or Domestic Violence: You need access to emergency travel in order to move home quickly, due to a relationship breakdown or to escape a situation of domestic violence.
Caring for a Prisoner or Young Offender: You are going to care for a prisoner or young offender who has been released on a temporary license.
By reviewing these eligibility requirements, you can determine if you meet the criteria for assistance from the Discretionary Assistance Fund under the Emergency Assistance Payments (EAP) and the Individual Assistance Payments (IAP) categories.
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How do I apply for a payment from the DAF?
The easiest way to apply for your first payment from the DAF Fund is to visit the Welsh Government website, here.
You’ll be asked to fill in your personal details, including the details of why your situation requires that you receive financial support from the DAF Fund.
If you prefer, you can also apply using the following details:
Discretionary Assistance Fund customer help
PO Box 2377
Wrexham
LL11 0LG
Telephone: 0800 859 5924 (9.30am to 4.00pm Monday to Friday)
Email: [email protected]
Before you begin the application, you should note that you will be unable to apply if you’ve already received one grant in the last seven days, or three grants in the last year.
Where can I get support if I’m experiencing extreme financial hardship?
If you’re forced to borrow money to get by, or you’re struggling to make essential payments like council tax, it is crucial to consider your options carefully.
While borrowing money may provide temporary relief, it can cause long-term financial problems.
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Our advisors are equipped with the expertise to help you understand your financial situation, explore potential debt solutions, and create a realistic plan to regain control over your finances.
For valuable guidance and support that can help you navigate extreme financial hardship, get in touch with one of our advisors today.
