BACKGROUND The Welfare Reform Act 2012 abolished the discretionary elements of the Department of Work & Pensions (DWP) Social Fund (Crisis Loans for items and daily living expenses and Community Support Grants) Local Authorities were requested to design local provision, although there was no requirement to set up a scheme in a particular way Northumberland County Council recognised the added value that would be achieved if the VCS were engaged to deliver this process. As a result there was a competitive grants process to deliver a scheme from 1 April 2013 Following the competitive process Dawn (Advice), working in partnership with Five Lamps and Voices Northumberland were awarded the contract to deliver the scheme INTRODUCTION The scheme in Northumberland will operate under the branding NETs - Northumberland Emergency Transition support The NETs scheme will commence operation on 2 April 2013 Resourcing the scheme is at NCC discretion - there is no statutory right to support from NETs Support will primarily be through goods or services; only in very exceptional cases would cash be given Support for goods and services may take the form of a loan, a grant or a combination of the two depending upon an assessment of need and the applicants financial circumstances The total amount available for loans and/or grants in any financial year through NETS is cash limited Please note that even if an applicant meets the criteria an award will not always be given. Consideration will be given to the available budget and the priority of each application compared to other applications There is a duty on NETs not to overspend the annual budget and consideration will be given to each application on its individual merits
Transcript
BACKGROUND
The Welfare Reform Act 2012 abolished the discretionary elements of the Department of
Work & Pensions (DWP) Social Fund (Crisis Loans for items and daily living expenses and
Community Support Grants)
Local Authorities were requested to design local provision, although there was no
requirement to set up a scheme in a particular way
Northumberland County Council recognised the added value that would be achieved if the
VCS were engaged to deliver this process. As a result there was a competitive grants
process to deliver a scheme from 1 April 2013
Following the competitive process Dawn (Advice), working in partnership with Five Lamps
and Voices Northumberland were awarded the contract to deliver the scheme
INTRODUCTION
The scheme in Northumberland will operate under the branding NETs - Northumberland
Emergency Transition support
The NETs scheme will commence operation on 2 April 2013
Resourcing the scheme is at NCC discretion - there is no statutory right to support from
NETs
Support will primarily be through goods or services; only in very exceptional cases would
cash be given
Support for goods and services may take the form of a loan, a grant or a combination of the
two depending upon an assessment of need and the applicants financial circumstances
The total amount available for loans and/or grants in any financial year through NETS is
cash limited
Please note that even if an applicant meets the criteria an award will not always be given.
Consideration will be given to the available budget and the priority of each application
compared to other applications
There is a duty on NETs not to overspend the annual budget and consideration will be given
to each application on its individual merits
KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN NETs and SOCIAL FUND
Awards will be made in the form of goods and services,
NOT cash (except in exceptional circumstances)
Awards are dependent on funds available at the time of the application
Repayment of loans will no longer be deducted from the customers benefit payment
Awards will be made in the form of a loan or a grant (or combination of both)
depending on affordability at the time of application
Applicants will be informed of, and in some instances referred to, other support
services as part of the application assessment process
What sort of things can be supported through NETs?
Emergency Support
o To prevent an immediate deterioration to an applicant’s health by providing short-
term access to food, gas and electricity supply and limited supplies of clothing and
baby consumables, such as nappies and milk.
Transition Support
o To help applicants through periods of transition, for example, to remain in the
community or move back into the community after a period in supported or
unsettled accommodation. It does this by providing access to a range of standard
items such as beds, bedding, furniture and white goods.
Making on application
Applications will be made through DAWN (Advice) through a freephone number or on-line
Telephone 0300 303 1931
Lines are open: Monday to Thursday 8:30am – 5pm Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm Lines will be closed: Weekends & Bank Holidays At these times telephone applicants will be directed via a voicemail message to apply online. They will also be informed of other emergency support available.
A call back facility will be available to those who request a return call.
Online www.dawnadvice.org.uk
Accessible 24/7, however applications will be assessed during normal assessment times only, which are: Monday to Thursday 8:30am – 5pm Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm Assessment services are closed: Weekends & Bank Holidays
Who can apply?
Who can Apply?
Direct The Applicant
Evidence will need to be provided
3rd
Party
Their Appointee / Carer / Advocate
Trusted Partners & Specialist Providers
Declaration by referrer either online or verbally that evidence of eligibility and need
has been seen and verified.
NETs Delivery Model and Decision Making process
Eligibility
The funds available for support are limited, and therefore very specific eligibility criteria have been
created in order for NETS to support those most in need.
1. The applicant must be aged 16 years or over and be a resident of Northumberland, or in
exceptional circumstances be in the process of moving into the county to flee domestic
violence, hate crime, forced marriage or honour based violence.
2. There is a limit of 2 support awards that can be awarded per applicant, per financial
year. (Only in extreme exceptional circumstances would a third application be considered)
Even if the applicant qualifies to make an application there is no guarantee that any support will be
provided, although NETS would wish to be able to provide names of other services that may be able
to offer support depending on the applicant’s own personal circumstances.
EMERGENCY SUPPORT
Qualifying Condition
Exceptional Event
An immediate need for items or services has arisen following an exceptional event or unforeseen circumstances involving the destruction or loss of property or possessions: eg. The applicant has suffered a disaster to their home such as
•Major flooding
•Gas explosion
•House fire
Where serious damage has been caused to the home or the home is now uninhabitable
Health needs
As a direct result of the inability to afford the goods or services requested either the heath of the applicant or a member of their household will immediately deteriorate.
Applicant must also meet at least one of the following criteria:
• Have a serious physical health problem, which they are receiving treatment for
• Have a dependent child who normally lives with them and their health would be at immediate risk
• Are homeless, or at risk of homelessness
• Have a substance or alcohol misuse problem that they are receiving treatment for
• Are on probation or receiving support relating to their offending history
• Are affected by, or at risk of domestic abuse, hate crime, honour based violence or forced marriage
• Have a learning disability
• Have a physical or sensory impairment • Have a mental health problem, that they are receiving treatment
for • Are aged 50 or over with support needs
• Are 24 weeks or more pregnant. In exceptional circumstance and on referral from a medical professional health needs will be considered below 24 weeks gestation
Evidence Collecting
Emergency Support
Exceptional Event
Proof of Address
• Tenancy agreement • Mortgage Statement • Council Tax Bill • Utility Bill (Gas, Electricity, Water, Landline Telephone – [not a
mobile]) • Proof of income (Letter from HMRC/Local Authority/Job Centre)
Evidence is to show applicants full name and address and be dated within 3 months of application. The address shown on the evidence must match the address provided on application.
Proof of Identity
• Driving Licence
• Passport • Birth Certificate
• Marriage Certificate
• Decree Absolute
Proof of
Need
• A Letter • A Claim Number • An Inspection, Incident, Crime or Investigation Report • An Inspection, Incident, Crime or Investigation Reference No.
From any of the following: • Insurance Company
• Police Force
• Fire Brigade
• Utility Company
• Northumberland County Council • Any other relevant body
Health needs
Proof of
Need
• A Letter • A Document Or in exceptional cases where evidence cannot be provided, the contact details of their support worker in the relevant support agency
NETs will develop a ‘trusted partner’ model, where practitioners/professionals across sectors will be
able to verify applicants’ information.
Forms of Support
Emergency Support
Food (up to 7 days of support)
Voucher to be redeemed at a Supermarket. Paypoint cash voucher
(set value depending on circumstance)
Key consumables for babies (up to 7 days of support)
Voucher to be redeemed at a Supermarket Paypoint Cash Voucher
(set value depending on circumstance)
Clothing (up to 7 days of support)
High Street Voucher (set value depending on circumstance)
Heating (up to 7 days of support)
Pre-payment Voucher/Direct payment to Supplier (set value depending on circumstance)
Travel (return travel costs for
specific event) Bus Voucher/Train Ticket/Arrangement of a Taxi
A decision within 2 hours (we would hope an immediate decision could be made in most cases) If the decision is made before 1pm then support will be provided the same day
If the decision is made after 1pm then support will be providing on the next working day
TRANSITION SUPPORT
Qualifying Condition
Transition
Settlement
Applicant requires support to re/settle into community life within Northumberland:
• Move back into the community after a stay in supported or temporary
accommodation or following an unsettled way of life as part of a planned resettlement programme
• Move out of inappropriate accommodation
• Stay in your home and prevent a move into residential care or hospital • Prevent a serious deterioration of health within the home
• Ease exceptional pressures for an applicant and their family
And
Health needs
As a direct result of the inability to afford the goods or services, the applicants health or the health of a member of the household will immediately deteriorate
Applicants must also meet at least one of the following criteria:
Have a dependent child who normally lives with them and their health would be at immediate risk
Are homeless, or at risk of homelessness
Have a substance or alcohol misuse problem that they are receiving treatment for
Are on probation or receiving support relating to their offending history
Are affected by, or at risk of domestic abuse, hate crime, honour based violence or forced marriage
Have a learning disability
Have a physical or sensory impairment
Have a mental health problem, that they are receiving treatment for
Are aged 50 or over with support needs
Are 24 weeks or more pregnant. In exceptional circumstance and on referral from a medical professional health needs will be considered below 24 weeks gestation
Transition
Settlement
Move back into the community after a stay in supported or temporary accommodation or following an unsettled way of life as part of a planned resettlement programme
Examples of such accommodation are: • Hospital or other medical establishments • Care home
• Hostel • Staff intensive sheltered housing
• Local Authority care
• Prison or detention centre
• Short term supported housing
• Bed and breakfast accommodation with a high level of floating support
The applicant must also be establishing themselves in the community. Both the time spent in the accommodation (usually a minimum of 3 months or a pattern of frequent or regular admission) and the level of individual care and supervision provided whilst living in the accommodation will be taken into consideration by the deliverer when making a decision.
Move out of inappropriate accommodation
Examples of inappropriate accommodation are:
• Over or under occupation within the property and no other form of assistance is available e.g. through a social housing provider
• Accommodation is deemed unsuitable for human habitation
• There is an unacceptable risk of domestic abuse, honour based crime, forced marriage within the home or hate crime
• Housing conditions will result in a serious deterioration in the health of the applicant or family member
Applicants may receive Settlement Support if it can be verified by a specialist provider that the applicant or a member of their family is living in accommodation that is no longer suitable for them.
Stay in your home and prevent a move into residential care or hospital
Applicants may receive Settlement Support if this will help them to stay in the community, rather than enter residential care or hospital. Some of the factors considered when making a decision will include:
• How immediate is the likelihood of going into such accommodation
• How long the applicant is anticipated to remain in such accommodation
• Whether the type of item or service required would prevent or delay entering such accommodation
• If the support will reduce the frequency of stays in such accommodation
• Some examples of situations where support may be provided are: • Help with expenses for improving the home to maintain living conditions • Help to move to more suitable accommodation or to be nearer someone who
can provide care and support
Prevent a serious deterioration of health within the home
Applicants may receive Settlement Support if the heath of the applicant or family member will significantly deteriorate as a direct result of the inability to afford the goods or services requested.
Ease exceptional pressures for an applicant and their family
Examples include breakdown of relationships within the family (including domestic violence, honour based violence or forced marriage)
Evidence Collecting
And must meet the following criteria;
Qualifying benefits
Be in receipt of one of the following benefits: • Income Support • Income Based Job Seekers Allowance
• Income Related Employment Support Allowance
• Any type of Pension Credit The qualifying benefit or assessment may change with the introduction of Universal Credit
OR;
Leaving supported accommodation
The applicant is leaving or is expected to be discharged within 6 weeks from accommodation in which they receive significant and substantial care and supervision from, and they will be expected to receive one of the benefits listed above.
If they do meet these criteria and are therefore eligible, they must have applied for a budgeting loan or advance from the DWP and have been declined before their application will be considered
Transition
Health Needs
Proof of Address
• Tenancy agreement • Mortgage Statement • Council Tax Bill • Utility Bill (Gas, Electricity, Water, Landline Telephone – [not a
mobile]) • Proof of income (Letter from HMRC/Local Authority/Job Centre)
Evidence is to show applicants full name and address and be dated within 3 months of application. The address shown on the evidence must match the address provided on application.
Proof of Identity
• Driving Licence
• Passport • Birth Certificate
• Marriage Certificate
• Decree Absolute
Proof of Need • A Letter • A Document
Or in exceptional cases where evidence cannot be provided, the contact details of their support worker in the relevant support agency
NETs will develop a ‘trusted partner’ model, where practitioners/professionals across sectors will be able
to verify applicants’ information.
Transition
Settlement Evidence
Support to move back into the community after a stay in supported or temporary accommodation or following an unsettled way of life as part of a planned resettlement programme
• Contact details for the support worker from the relevant support agency/specialist provider which will then be verified
Move out of inappropriate accommodation • Contact details for the support worker from the relevant
support agency/specialist provider which will then be verified to show that the applicant or a member of their family is living in accommodation that is no longer suitable for them.
Stay in your home and prevent a move into residential care or hospital
• Contact details for the support worker from the relevant support agency/specialist provider which will then be verified
Prevent a serious deterioration of health within the home
• Contact details for the support worker from the relevant support agency/specialist provider which will then be verified
• Letter from a healthcare professional
Ease exceptional pressures for an applicant and their family
• Contact details for the support worker from the relevant support agency/specialist provider which will then be verified
• Letter from a healthcare professional, councillor , solicitor, etc.
Evidence
Qualifying benefits
• Benefit Letter showing entitlement to: Income Support Income Based Job Seekers Allowance Income Related Employment Support Allowance Any type of Pension Credit
The qualifying benefit or assessment may change with the introduction of Universal Credit
Leaving supported accommodation
• A letter outlining plans/new address details • Contact details for the support worker from the relevant
support agency/specialist provider which will then be verified
Moving into the community • A letter outlining plans/new address details • Contact details the relevant support agency/specialist
provider which will then be verified
Have applied for a Budgeting Loan or Advance from the DWP and been declined
• Declined letter from DWP • Access to CIS system for details to be verified
• Single Mattress • Double Bed • Double Mattress • Bunk Beds • Cot
Small Electricals
Goods Voucher Furniture recycling
• Conventional Microwave
• Kettle
• 2 Slice Toaster • Iron
• Upright Vacuum Cleaner
Bedding • Bedding set to fit bed or cot, as appropriate
Kitchen Equipment
• 3 Pan Set • Frying Pan
• Utensils Set • 16 piece Cutlery Set • 16 piece Crockery Set
Household Equipment
• Ironing Board with Cover • Mop & Bucket • Dust pan and brush
• Tea Towels (Pack of 4)
Bathroom Equipment
• 2 - 4 Hand towels • 2 - 4 Bath towels
Furnishings • Rug/Carpet • Curtains
Travel • Travel Voucher
Return travel for specific event such as; • Hospital • Funeral • Prison Visit
Storage/ Removal • Goods • Storage costs for up to 7 days
A decision within 5 working days If successful, awards will be provided from 48 hours of award decision being made
Exclusions
NETS Exclusions
Limited to 2 awards per applicant for each financial year Court expenses
Not available to people under the age of 16 Removal or storage charges following a Compulsory P.O.
A need which occurs outside of Northumberland Debt to Government/ Local Authority
People with savings or investments Council Tax – payments; arrears
People in full-time education (unless receive qualifying benefit) Domestic assistance and respite care
Care home residents and hospital in-patients (unless as part of planned resettlement) Holidays
Prisoners who are in prison or released on a temporary license Medical services
Persons who are members of and fully maintained by a religious order
School – uniform; sports equipment; travel; meals
Foreign nationals with limited immigration status Telephone – purchase; installation; rental; call charges
Foreign nationals with no recourse to public funds TV/ Radio - license; ariel; rental charges
Non-economically active European Union individuals Car – garages; parking; running costs
UK nationals who are not habitually resident in the UK Work/ educational/ training expenses
Housing
Appendix 1 NETs Process for determining grant or loan award
Customer contacts NETs on 0300 303 1931
Customer is eligible for support for NETs and their application for support
is successful
Customer is supported with a Transition Grant or Loan
Customer is supported with an Emergency Support award
The customers income and expenditure identifies a disposable
income of less than £2 per week (£10 per month)
The customers income and expenditure identifies a disposable income of more than £2 per week
(£10 per month)
The customer has up to £10 per week of disposable income (award value is £500 or less repaid over 52 weeks)
The customer has up to £10 per week of disposable income (award value is
higher than £500 repaid over 52 weeks)
PART GRANT/ PART LOAN LOAN GRANT
Notes:
• The above thresholds are indicative and each case will be assessed on the individual’s financial position at the time of application
• As a guide: • There is a maximum loan amount of £500 per application. Any award value over
£500 will be a grant • Loans over £250 to £500 will be repaid over a 52 week period • Loan under £250 will be repaid over a 26 weeks period (up to 52 weeks depending
on affordability) • A customer will not be able to exceed a total loan value of £800 over multiple
applications
Appendix 2
Process for supporting customers who initially contact the NETs scheme and are signposted to alternative provision
Notes: In the event that NETS customers wish to access Five Lamps loans the following will apply.
• Five Lamps NETs service and Five Lamps personal lending scheme are separately funded and administered schemes with no duplication on front-line staffing
• There is no guarantee that NETs customers will be offered a personal loan from Five Lamps if they are not eligible for support through the NETs scheme. Five Lamps personal loans are assessed on affordability at the time of application.
Customer contacts NETs on 0300 303 1931
Customer is eligible for support (Emergency or Transition
Support)
Customer completes application for support
(Emergency or Transition Support)
Customer is not satisfied with provision provided through
NETs (eg requests higher quality/ alternative goods)
Customer does not fulfil all requirements of the eligibility
criteria (Emergency or Transition Support) or cannot provide
evidence of need
Customer is signposted to alternative local provision: Loans
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