Welfare Grant Policy
Principles
Grants will be awarded in line with need and using the criteria given in this policy.
Grants may be awarded to anyone who is eligible under the Surrey ASBAH constitution. Beneficiaries will normally be resident in the geographical area covered by Surrey ASBAH but there is no requirement to be a member of Surrey ASBAH. All welfare grants are to be made for the direct benefit of individuals or families. Grants to other voluntary organisations/trusts will not be considered. .
In all cases the first approach must be to the statutory authorities where they have a duty to provide or are empowered to do so.
It should be noted that it is normal policy for no more than one welfare grant to any one applicant to be considered in any financial year. However, the committee of Surrey ASBAH has discretion to vary this policy in exceptional circumstances, for example to cover regular expenditure like hospital visiting or where a particular difficult situation arises which could not have been foreseen when the earlier grant was requested.
The amount of grant awarded may be affected by the financial position of Surrey ASBAH; no grant will be awarded that jeopardises the financial security of Surrey ASBAH. All cases will be considered on an individual basis and no precedent will be set by any particular decision. All decisions are at the discretion of the Surrey ASBAH committee.
Decision making process
Applications for a grant should be made on the form attached to this policy statement. The application forms are to be returned to the Chair of Surrey ASBAH for consideration by the committee. In reaching a decision, the committee will take advice from the relevant adviser if she is familiar with the economic and social circumstances of the applicant and/or his/her family.
The committee will normally consider requests at their committee meetings which are held every 2 months. If the need for the grant is urgent and cannot wait until after the next committee meeting, the committee will make their decision in correspondence. It is the responsibility of the Chair to ensure that all committee members receive the information submitted by the applicant and any other relevant information.
The Surrey ASBAH committee will decide whether to award the full amount requested, a partial amount or nothing. The committee’s decision will be final. In the event of the committee being evenly divided, the Chair will make the final decision.
Guidelines for welfare grants criteria
Grants are made according to the following guidelines:
1. Household items
Application will be considered sympathetically.
2. Mobility
Repairs: Each request to be considered individually. Repairs to be carried out only by reputable dealer / repairer.
Deposits: Grants to be given only in exceptional circumstances.
Driving Assessments or Learner Driving Courses: Grants to be given only after careful investigation of financial status and assurances that adequate guidance and assessment of the individual’s capabilities have been provided.
Adaptations: Each case will be considered individually. Grants may be made, provided that assurances is given by an appropriately qualified person that the adaptation is a suitable one and will be carried out by an approved installer.
Insurance: Grant requests will be considered on an individual basis at the discretion of the committee.
3. Housing adaptations / improvements
Financial aid to be given only in exceptional circumstances and after discussion with any adviser involved.
4. House purchase
No grants to families or individuals. Consideration may be given on a individual basis for help with subsidiary items or furnishing costs.
5. Loans
No loans to be given to individuals.
6. Funeral expenses
After consideration of all the circumstances grants may be available towards these costs.
7. Holidays
A small grant may be available after necessary enquiries by an appropriately qualified person. However, holidays will not be considered if a grant for this has been given within the past three years except in very special circumstances. Family holidays following the death of a disabled member of the family may be considered up to two years after bereavement.
8. Social events and activities
Grants may be given in individual circumstances, after careful investigation. The grant awarded will be based on recommendations by the relevant adviser taking into account quality of life considerations.
9. Household debts
Grants may be given in individual circumstances, after careful investigation. The adviser will be expected to ensure that where appropriate, debt counselling is agreed by the family.
10. Telephones
Installations / Re-connections: Grants may be made in exceptional circumstances after careful discussions with the relevant adviser.
11. Hospital visiting costs
Applications to be considered sympathetically.
12. Specialist items
Applications for special pieces of equipment for medical or purely practical use will receive sympathetic consideration.
Any circumstances or requests for a welfare grant which are not covered in the guidelines above will be considered on an individual basis.
Policy agreed by Surrey ASBAH committee on 26th April 2010.
- Surrey ASBAH
- Shine LSRO
- 209 Crescent Rd
- New Barnet
- Herts EN4 8SB
01293 775 775
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