Budgeting Loans

• have been in receipt of IS, JSA (income based) ESA (Income Related) or Pension Credit; or
• have been the partner of someone in receipt of IS, JSA (income based) ESA (Income Related) or Pension Credit.
• Breaks in entitlement to a qualifying benefit of less than 28 days are ignored.

NB: anyone can apply for a Loan. A Decision Maker will decide whether or not they are eligible for a loan.

• Furniture or Household Items.
• Clothing and Footwear.
• Rent in advance or removal expenses.
• Home Improvements, maintenance or security.
• Travelling Expenses.
• Help with looking for or starting work (including childcare costs)
• Repaying Hire Purchase (HP) or other debts that have been taken out to pay for any of the above.

(The applicant does not need to list specific items or services in their application but they will have to say how much they wish to borrow.)

How much can be borrowed?

The amount that can be borrowed depends on whether the applicant is:

• Single;
• One of a couple; or
• Either single or one of a couple with one or more child.

The final amount depends on:

• The amount outstanding on any previous Social Fund loans.
• The amount of any capital/savings the applicant has.
• minimum award is £100.

Repaying the loan

Repayments can either be:

• Deducted automatically from benefit in payment; or
• Paid directly by the customer at an agreed amount (depending on applicant’s income and expenditure).

• BL applications can be made by completing an Application Form and posting it to a local Jobcentre Plus office.
• When completed the form can be posted to your local Jobcentre Plus.

A review request should be made in writing within 28 days of the date of the decision stating the reasons why the applicant is dissatisfied with the decision. Customers can apply to the IRS