Example
C applied for a Crisis Grant for living costs, stating that they had no income.
The council declined the application because they assessed that C was a dependent of their parents and therefore did not qualify for assistance.
We reviewed the council’s file and spoke with C. As C was aged 18 and no longer a dependent of their parents, they were eligible to apply to the fund. However, after reviewing their bank statement, we noted that they did not appear to be in crisis at the time of their application. The guidance specifies that applicants should have little or no money available when applying.
We agreed with the council’s decision and did not make any changes. C requested a reconsideration of our decision. The new decision maker agreed that the qualifying conditions were not met. They noted that there was a pattern of regular small payments being paid into C’s account. Therefore, they were not facing a crisis situation as they had enough funds for living costs.
Feedback for the council
- The council were incorrect to say that C had no entitlement their own right
- The council missed the decision making timescales at T1.