RNID: For deaf and hard of hearing people.

factsheet iconBenefits and services factsheet

About this factsheet

This factsheet is part of RNID’s benefits range. It is written for people in the UK who are deaf. We use the term ‘people who are deaf’ to refer to people who are deaf, deafened and hard of hearing.

Read this factsheet to find out:

If you would like this factsheet on audio tape, in Braille or in large print, please contact the RNID Information

What is the Social Fund

The Social Fund provides grants and loans to people on certain social security benefits. It is run by Jobcentre Plus, part of the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP). If you are deaf and need financial help to live independently in the community, or to ease exceptional pressure on you and your family, you may be able to get a Community Care Grant from the Social Fund. You won’t have to pay it back

As well as Community Care Grants, the Social Fund can pay budgeting loans, crisis loans, maternity payments and funeral payments. 

This factsheet is about Community Care Grants only and does not include information about other payments from the Social Fund. For information about these, read the Jobcentre Plus leaflet The Social Fund (DWP 1007), which is available online at the Jobcentre Plus website, www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/ (external link, opens new browser window).

What is a Community Care Grant?

A Community Care Grant is a discretionary award to help a person live independently in the community. ‘Discretionary’ means you won’t get a grant automatically – you must meet certain conditions. Your local Job Centre Plus office has a fixed budget for Community Care Grant each year. This means that the office is not allowed to make any more grants if its budget is spent.

Applications for grants are dealt with by Social Fund decision-makers, who are part of Jobcentre Plus. If you are awarded a Community Care Grant you do not have to pay it back

What conditions do I need to meet to get a grant?

To be entitled to a grant, you must meet the following conditions:

  • you must be receiving Income Support (IS), income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Pension Credit (PC); or
  • you are leaving institutional or residential care within six weeks and you are likely to receive IS, JSA, ESA or PC within six weeks, and
  • you must need a Community Care Grant for a specific reason (see When can a grant be awarded? below), and
  • you must not be applying for an ‘excluded item’.

Even if you meet these conditions, you may not be awarded a grant. Social Fund decision-makers have to take a lot of factors into account when deciding whether to award a grant. We tell you more about some of the qualifying conditions and how decisions are made later in this factsheet.

When can a grant be awarded?

You may be awarded a Community Care Grant if the item or items you are applying for:

  • help you, or a member of your family, to get established in the community after a stay in institutional or residential care
  • help you to set up home in the community, as part of a planned programme of resettlement, after an unsettled way of life
  • help you, or a member of your family, to stay in the community rather than go into institutional or residential accommodation where you would receive care. You don’t have to be at immediate risk of going into care to qualify. But you need to show how a grant would improve your independence in the community and therefore reduce or delay the risk of you going into care
  • ease ‘exceptional pressures’ on you and your family. Living on a low income is unlikely to be considered to be enough in itself. Examples of exceptional pressures could be the breakdown of a relationship, becoming deaf or a worsening of your deafness, or coping with the particular needs of children in the family, for example, difficulties in making the home safe for a disabled child
  • help you to care for a prisoner or young offender on temporary release
  • help you with travel expenses within the UK, in some circumstances (for example, if you have to visit a relative who is ill or in prison).

If you are deaf, you are likely to claim for a Community Care Grant to help you remain in the community or reduce exceptional pressures on your family.

What can I get a grant for?

Examples include:

  • furniture and other items, such as cookers, beds, bedding, carpets or curtains when you set up home, or if you need to replace things that help you to live independently at home
  • moving expenses – but you may have to explain why you need to move. For example, you may need to move closer to people who can give you support
  • clothing and footwear, for example, if your condition causes excessive wear and tear on your clothes
  • aids and adaptations, such as equipment to help you communicate in your home, which social services cannot provide.

This isn’t everything you can apply for – just some examples. If you need something specific, it is worth applying for a grant. But it is up to you to explain why your need for the item is important, and how it will help you to remain in your home or ease exceptional pressure on you or your family.

What can't I get a grant for?

The rules say that you cannot apply for certain items (‘excluded items’).
You cannot get a grant for:

  • a need that arises outside the UK
  • education and training needs, including clothing and tools
  • a distinctive school uniform, sports clothes or equipment for school use, travel expenses to and from school,
  • school meals taken during school holidays by children who are entitled to free school meals
  • expenses related to court proceedings
  • removal or storage charges, if you are  rehoused permanently by a local authority under certain circumstances
  • domestic help and respite care
  • medical, surgical, optical, aural (hearing) or dental items or services. This would include private hearing aids and private medical treatment
  • work-related expenses
  • debts to government departments
  • investments
  • telephone costs and charges, including textphones
  • costs that local authorities must meet by law
  • fuel costs and standing charges
  • housing costs like major repairs, rent, deposits, mortgage payments or water rates
  • any repairs to the home if you are a local authority or registered social landlord tenant
  • council tax
  • daily living expenses.

If you are refused a Community Care Grant because the Social Fund Officer says the item you are asking for is excluded, you should seek advice.

How do I apply for a grant?

To apply for a Community Care Grant, get form SF300 from your local Jobcentre Plus office, or call the Benefit Enquiry Line (BEL). Your local Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) may also be able to provide you with a form.

You can also download a form at: www.dwp.gov.uk/advisers/claimforms/sf300_print.pdf (external link, opens new browser window)

Estimate the cost of each item you are asking for. If you are applying for a grant to cover the cost of moving home or redecorating, you should get written quotations. Explain in detail how each item you need will enable you to live independently or ease ‘exceptional pressures’ on your family. It may be a good idea to ask a social worker with deaf people, or someone else who understands your needs, to write a supporting letter.

How are decisions made?

The Social Fund department at your local Jobcentre Plus office is responsible for deciding whether your application is successful. Community Care Grants are discretionary, so you do not have an automatic right to payment.

Decision makers have to follow national and local guidance and they prioritise Community Care Grant applications. The guidance states that people with sensory disabilities, including deaf people, should be given priority. In terms of priority, they should normally:

  • give high priority to your need if a grant will have a substantial and immediate effect in resolving or improving your circumstances, and in meeting one of the purposes for which a grant can be awarded
  • give medium priority to your need if a grant will have a noticeable effect, although not substantial and immediate, in resolving or improving your circumstances and in meeting one of the purposes for which a grant can be awarded
  • give low priority to your need if a grant will have only a minor effect in resolving or improving your circumstances and in meeting one of the purposes for which a grant can be awarded.

Decision makers must also take into account:

  • the nature, extent and urgency of your need
  • the existence of resources that could meet your need
  • the district office budget
  • the law governing the Social Fund
  • national and local guidance
  • whether any other person or organisation could meet your need. For example, the Social Fund decision maker will look at whether your local social services department has a duty to provide any aids or adaptations (for more information, see our factsheet Social services for adults who are deaf).

Every Jobcentre Plus district is given a fixed Community Care Grant budget each year, and they are not allowed to spend more than their budget. However, you should not be refused a high-priority item just because of the local budget. In practice, you may find that your local office’s priority list may be adjusted throughout the year to help them manage their budget. For instance, if their budget is almost all spent they may only be able to award a grant for high-priority items, or if they have more money in the budget they may also pay a grant for medium-priority items.

How much will I get?

That depends. The minimum amount for a Community Care Grant is £30 (except if the grant is for travel expenses). There is no set maximum amount. If you have savings of more than £500, or more than £1,000 if you or your partner are aged 60 or over, any grant you get will be reduced by the amount that your savings exceed £500 or £1,000.

If you are refused a grant for a specific item, you cannot apply for the same item for another 26 weeks, unless your circumstances change. You should therefore make full use of the review process.

How do I challenge a decision and start the review process?

Unlike other social security benefits, you do not have the right to appeal to an independent tribunal if you disagree with a Community Care Grant decision. However, you do have the right to ask for the decision to be reviewed:

  • You can request a review of a decision to refuse you a grant. Or, if you are allowed a grant, you can request a review of the amount you have been awarded. You have 28 days from the date of the decision to apply for a review. You should ask for a review in writing, and you should explain your reasons for asking for a review.
  • If you apply outside the 28-day time limit, Jobcentre Plus will only carry out a review if your application is late for 'special reasons'.
  • Your case will usually be reviewed by a reviewing officer. You may be offered an interview to present your case in person. The reviewing officer must invite you for an interview if he or she does not think, on the basis of the papers, that they can review the decision completely in your favour. You can take someone with you, such as an adviser who can act as your representative.
  • The reviewing officer can either confirm the decision of the decision maker or revise it. You will then be informed of the result.

If you still disagree with the decision after the initial review process, you can ask for a Social Fund Inspector to review the decision. Social Fund Inspectors are based at the Independent Review Service (IRS) and are independent of the staff at Jobcentre Plus. You have 28 days from the date of the new decision to apply in writing. Late applications can be accepted if you have ‘special reasons’. You will not normally have to go to a formal hearing, and if the inspector needs any more information he or she will write to you. You should get help from an adviser if you want to take your case to a Social Fund Inspector.

Budgeting loans

If you cannot get a Community Care Grant for something you need, you could apply for a budgeting loan. Remember, however, that you have to repay budgeting loans through deductions from your benefit. For more information, see the Jobcentre Plus leaflet The Social Fund (DWP 1007), which you can get from your local office or download at  www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/JCP/stellent/groups/jcp/documents/websitecontent/dev_015606.pdf (external link, opens new browser window)

Where can I get further information?

  • If you have an enquiry about benefits you should first contact the Benefit Enquiry Line (BEL).
  • If you need help filling in a form or want to speak to someone in person, contact the BEL or your local CAB. Alternatively, contact your local Jobcentre Plus office. They may be able to arrange for a visiting officer to come and see you in your own home.
  • If you still need further help after contacting these organisations please contact the RNID Information Line or your RNID office in Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales.
  • If you need help with challenging a decision, or you are a benefits adviser, contact the RNID Casework Service.

Benefit Enquiry Line (BEL) (opens new browser window)

BEL is a free advice line run by the DWP. It is for people with disabilities or who are sick, their carers and representatives.  The BEL can help you to fill in your claim form.  They will arrange for someone to call you back.  If you are unable to use the phone they may be able to send someone to visit you.
Telephone 0800 882 200 Textphone 0800 243 355
Monday-Friday, 8.30am-6.30pm, Saturday, 9am-1pm.
Northern Ireland: Telephone 0800 220 674 Textphone 0800 243 787
Monday-Wednesday, 9am-5pm, Thursday 10am-5pm, Friday 9am-5pm

Citizens advice bureau (CAB) (opens new browser window)

Your local CAB will give free advice. See your phonebook for your nearest CAB or search www.nacab.org.uk/ (external link, opens new browser window)

Directgov (opens new browser window)

Information about benefits and allowances.
www.direct.gov.uk/DisabledPeople (external link, opens new browser window)

Disability Alliance (opens new browser window)

The Disability Alliance produces a range of information about benefits.
Disability Alliance, Universal House, 88-94 Wentworth Street,
London E1 7SA
Tel/textphone 020 7247 8776  Fax 020 7247 8765
office.da@dial.pipex.com
www.disabilityalliance.org/ (external link, opens new browser window)

Independent Review Service for the Social Fund (IRS) (opens new browser window)

The IRS deals with reviews of Social Fund decisions. They have a helpful website with information about Community Care Grants.
Independent Review Service, 4th Floor Centre City Podium, 5 Hill Street
Birmingham B5 4UB
Telephone 0121 606 2100/0800 096 1926     Textphone 0800 096 1929
Fax 0121 606  2137/2172/2186 (general enquiries)
sfc@irs-review.org.uk 
www.irs-review.org.uk/ (external link)

Jobcentre Plus (opens new browser window)

Contact Jobcentre Plus to apply for a Community Care Grant. They can also advise you if you are of working age and want to claim, or are claiming, a benefit. They can also help you if you are looking for work or training. Visit www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/ (external link, opens new browser window) for details of your nearest office. The website also features useful leaflets.

Law centres (opens new browser window)

Law centres provide free advice and representation.
You can find details of your local law centre from the Law Centres Federation,
Third Floor, 293-299 Kentish Town Road, London NW5 2TJ
Telephone 020 7428 4400      Fax 020 7428 4401
info@lawcentres.org.uk
www.lawcentres.org.uk
 (external link, opens new browser window)
Social Security Agency for Northern Ireland (opens new browser window)

If you live in Northern Ireland, visit   for information about benefits.

Welfare rights advice centres

See your phonebook to find your local welfare rights advice centre.

Further information from RNID

Our Information Line offers a wide range of information on many aspects of deafness and hearing loss. Contact us for further copies of this factsheet and our full range of information factsheets and leaflets. You can also contact us if you would like information in Braille, on audiotape or large print.

RNID Information Line

19-23 Featherstone Street, London EC1Y 8SL.
Telephone 0808 808 0123
Textphone 0808 808 9000
Fax 020 7296 8199
SMS 0780 0000 360 (supported by Lloyds TSB)
mailto:informationline@rnid.org.uk    

RNID offices in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales

We have offices throughout the UK. For more local advice if you live in Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales, please contact:

RNID Cymru

Tudor House, 16 Cathedral Road, Cardiff CF11 9LJ
Telephone 029 2033 3034   Textphone 029 2033 3036   Fax 029 2033 3035
rnidcymru@rnid.org.uk

RNID Northern Ireland

Wilton House, 5 College Square North, Belfast BT1 6AR
Telephone 028 9023 9619
Textphone answer machine 028 9031 2033
Fax 028 9031 2032
rnidni@rnid.org.uk

RNID Scotland

Edinburgh: 2nd Floor Dunedin House, 25 Ravelston Terrace,
Edinburgh EH4 3TP
Telephone 0131 311 8522, Textphone 0131 311 8530
Fax 0131 311 8529

Glasgow: Empire House, 131 West Nile Street, Glasgow G1 2RX
Telephone 0141 341 5330 Textphone 0141 341 5347 Fax 0141 354 0176
rnidscotland@rnid.org.uk

RNID Welfare Rights Service

The RNID Welfare Rights Service provides free, confidential, independent information, advice and representation about social security law and its administration. Formerly known as the Legal Casework Service, we now focus specifically on welfare rights issues. We provide information and assistance to help people who are deaf or hard of hearing obtain their correct benefit entitlements. We also advise on claims that need to be made. If we cannot help, we can refer people to organisations that can help them complete forms or advise on housing, debt or immigration issues.

  • We can assist people further if they have been turned down for benefit and want to appeal.
  • We can provide representation at appeal tribunals and to commissioners.
  • We specialise in social security law and its administration by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).
  • We engage in policy analysis and lobbying to improve the current social security system and its administration.
  • We produce printed and online information about benefits, entitlement and appeals.

RNID Information, September 2009