Example
C applied for a crisis grant for support with food and essential items after their employment ended and their Universal Credit (UC) payment was reduced to zero. C explained that their final wage was used to repay debts, linked to previous alcohol and substance misuse issues.
The council declined the application, assessing that C’s income was above the low income threshold.
During our review, we examined the council’s file and spoke with C. We noted that C’s final salary payment was below the threshold. The council had instead based their decision on earnings from the month before, which were not relevant as they did not reflect C’s most recent income.
Based on the correct information, we assessed that C was on a low income, met the qualifying criteria and priority level, and was eligible for an award. We therefore changed the council’s decision.
Recommendations
- Award £292.33 to cover food and essentials until C’s next UC payment, in line with the recommended daily rate in the guidance.
Feedback for the council
- The council did not correctly assess the income information available to them.
We have asked the council to confirm that the award has been made within one working day.