Example
Ms C applied for a crisis grant after both she and her partner lost their jobs unexpectedly. As a result of this they had applied for Universal Credit (UC) and Ms C had received a benefit advance. However, the advance had been spent, leaving them with no money to cover the family’s living costs until their first UC payment.
The council declined Ms C’s application as did not consider that she was in receipt of a low income. Ms C submitted a first tier review, which provided further details about her income. The council considered the review request but did not change the decision. They reiterated that the applicant was not on a low income and also that the crisis situation was not unexpected as Ms C has spent her income and benefit advance.
Ms C requested an independent review. We received the file from the council and spoke with M C to get further information. She explained she was in a crisis as had used the last of her income payment and benefit advance to pay household bills and to cover her family’s living costs. We assessed that when working, Ms C would not have been considered to be on a low income. However, her circumstances had changed and she was in receipt of UC at the time of her application and therefore met the criteria (7.13 to 7.18 of the guidance). While she had received wages and a benefit advance, this money had been spent and she was in an emergency situation as she had no money to cover her living costs. We changed the council’s decision and instructed them to award Ms C £300.00. We provided feedback to the council about their decision making process and letters as they were no in keeping with the SWF guidance.