Halton Discretionary Support Scheme

The purpose of the Discretionary Support Scheme is to provide a local solution to replace elements of the Social Fund which are no longer administered by the Department of Works & Pensions, specifically Community Care Grants and Crisis Loans for general living expenses.

The scheme will issue awards for two types of need, to people who require short term Emergency Support and to people who require Community Support to establish or maintain a home independently in the community

Emergency Support

Awards may be made to assist with immediate short-term needs due to a circumstance that presents a serious risk to the health or safety of the claimant or their family and the award is the only way to prevent this. Awards will normally be made for immediate essential day to day living expenses only and will usually be made by way of a parcel delivered direct to the customer from the supplier.

Community Support

Awards may be made to assist vulnerable people in returning to or remaining in the community or, to ease exceptional pressure on the family.

Eligibility Criteria for Emergency Support

• Halton resident
• Aged 16 +
• Have no alternative forms of help and,
• Not have had 2 previous awards in the last 12 months and the award is,
• The only way of preventing risk to health or safety

Eligibility Criteria for Community Support

• Halton resident
• Aged 16 +
• In receipt or imminent receipt of an income-related benefit, and
• No funds to meet the need themselves and,
• There are no other alternative sources of help and,
• Not have had 2 previous awards in the last 12 months and the claimant is
• Moving out of institutional or residential care or,
• Moving to more suitable accommodation or,
• Under exceptional pressure or,
• Setting up home as a part of a resettlement programme