Jodie’s application was successful and she was able to buy a cooker, a fridge with a coolbox and a washing machine.
Jodie is 20 years old and had recently moved into an unfurnished one-bedroom flat in Tredegar after being homelessness for several months. She contacted our Advicelink Cymru service as her Universal Credit payments would not stretch far enough to pay for essential goods.
She explained that she was unable to work due to poor mental and physical health and was receiving Housing Benefit but was topping up the rent shortfall from her Universal Credit.
She told our adviser that when she was homeless she had received three Emergency Assistance Payments (EAP) from the Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF). She was looking for advice about applying for an Individual Assistance Payment (IAP) from the Discretionary Assistance Fund to buy a cooker, fridge/freezer and a washing machine.
Our adviser looked at the criteria for the IAP and said that Jodie could be eligible for the grant because the decision makers may determine this as an exceptional circumstance.
With our advisers’ help, Jodie gathered the necessary documents needed to support her claim and submitted the application online. She was also asked if she needed help with food or fuel costs and offered information on Personal Independence Payments and the Discretionary Housing Payments, which could help with her rent shortfalls.
Jodie’s application was successful and she was able to buy a cooker, a fridge with a coolbox and a washing machine. She has also been empowered to look at ways she can increase her income and given the confidence to apply for Personal Independence Payments herself.