Community Care Grant list of items

[obiter dictum]

Having moved to Northern Ireland

 

I am on ESA, in the support group because i have arthritis in both knees. I have been staying in a hostel provided by the local housing Executive due to my current needs.

 

The housing executive have just offered my a ground floor flat that suits my needs for which i have accepted. My move in date is expected to be in 4-6 weeks after the housing executive have made the flat acceptable due to the last tenant.

 

I have been given a Form (Community Care Grant) to complete and send to the local Social Security Office as there is no DWP in Northern Ireland. -It can take up to a month to process.

 

This grant allows for help in costs setting up a new home with the basics such as a cooker, fridge etc

 

Are there any dedicated web sites etc where you can list these household things and help in filling out the form

[silverfox1961]

I have never seen any but the CAB (if they are in NI) should be able to assist.

 

Many many years ago when the DWP did these grants, I was advised to put in for everything I needed and let the decision maker work it out.

 

One thing I would add though, if anything needs fitting, plumbed in or needing electrical work, add that you your wish list.

 

Don't be too surprised if they advise you to look on sites similar to Freegle.

[estellyn]

Also, CCG's are often refused in the first instance, with people needing to request a review in order to get it awarded. Crazy system, but it's how they save money, I expect - weeds out the less desperate who won't challenge the decision.

[mikeymack2002]

Have you been issued the CF300 form? You can ask for help filling in this form but will need to sign the declaration on section 19 if someone filled it in or helped you do so...

 

 

If you need to appeal for any reason you have 28 days from being told of the decision, but this must be in writing

[obiter dictum]

Just bringing this thread to a close

 

The Community Care Grant was granted by the Social Security Office. The premises i accepted from the housing authority really was bare. Not even a cooker.

 

The Grant was a life saver and i feel sorry for people in England and Wales now having to apply through the local authority. All the Social Security office needed was a signed copy of the tenancy agreement. Being in a hostel for which the Social Security were aware did help i guess and this grant was used exactly used for the purpose originally intended.

[antone]

Glad to hear that got sorted for you, and thanks for updating the thread to let us know - it's always appreciated.

[honeybee13]

Hello there. Thank you for the update.

 

Do you have a local freegle or freecycle near you? It's a good way of getting things you need that would otherwise be thrown away by other people. My local one is very active.

 

http://ilovefreegle.org/groups/

http://www.uk.freecycle.org/

 

HB

[citizenB]

Did you also get bed linens, curtains and stuff like that CQ ?

 

I hope you are happy in your new home

[obiter dictum]

Yes, the lady who handles the Community Care Grant for the Social security office phoned me. She stated you really do not need to list things. They are aware if you are staying under social service accommodation or a hostel that flats provided by the housing executive are always unfurnished. They have a list themselves they go by and it is Argos prices.

 

I can honestly say in Northern Ireland the Social Security office treat you with respect and are polite. Unlike the DWP in the UK who treat anyone who is unemployed for what ever reason as a work shy scrounger

 

The support services are in place from the very beginning and the Staff take pride in their work and have my total respect. Not once have i been made to feel uncomfortable because of the situation i found myself in beyond my control. That is Arthritis