Social Fund

Applications can be made to the DSS Social Fund for Community Care Grants, Budgeting Loans or Crisis Loans.

• These are discretionary payments.
  
  

• In order to apply for a payment, you must be in receipt of Income Support (except for Crisis Loans).
  
  
• Applications can be made for essential items – such as bedding or furniture – or for travel costs to visit someone in hospital.

Application forms are available from the DSS, or from Neighbourhood offices or Citizens Advice Bureaux.

Family Fund

The Family Fund is a Government funded trust that aims to ease the stress on families who care for very severely disabled children. The Fund allocates grants to families for items or services not available through your health authority or local authority. Help can be given with taxi fares, laundry equipment, holidays, bedding and clothing, driving lessons, play equipment, decorating and many more things.

A range of information leaflets dealing with the care of children with disabilities is also available.

A representative from the Family Fund will visit applicants to discuss the needs of the family and the help that may be available.

Application forms are available from:

The Family Fund
P.O.Box 50
York YO1 9ZX
Telephone: 01904 621115