Example
Ms C requested an independent review of the council's decision on her crisis grant application. She applied for a crisis grant as her ESA claim had been stopped and she had no money for living expenses while a new application was made.
The council assessed that Ms C's application met the eligibility criteria and qualifying criteria for an award and that her request for living expenses met high priority. They awarded her a 14 day payment at the householder rate which was for £87.72. She submitted a first tier review stating that she was still in the same position. The council used their discretion to award a further 14 day payment of £87.72.
We received the council's file and agreed that the council had correctly identified that Ms C's application met the eligibility and qualifying criteria and that her request for living expenses met high priority. We assessed that the award that was made at initial decision was fair and reasonable based on section 7.8 which states that an award of 14 days should be paid for gaps in income of unknown duration. We noted that a further award at first tier was not in line with the guidance, but acknowledged that the council had used their discretion to award a further payment as Ms C still did not have a benefit income. We assessed that the amount awarded was fair and reasonable and did not change the council’s decision.