Criteria: Financial assistance - UNISON



UNISON WELFARE2018-2019Criteria: Financial assistancePolicy documentAdopted: 1999Last review: 2018Next review: 2019INTRODUCTIONThis policy document puts into context the criteria to be used for the assessment of applications to UNISON Welfare for financial assistance. Having criteria ensures:The purposes for which assistance can be given are properly definedThe charity’s funds are being effectively and efficiently deployed in ways that achieve the benefits intendedThere is uniformity of treatment, thinking and especially continuity where there is a change on the Board of Trustees or staffLegal complianceUNISON Welfare’s money is limited and its casework budget has to go a long way. Applying strict criteria means that all decisions can be justified and the trustees cannot be accused of misusing the charity’s money. Whilst having criteria sets a fairly rigid framework it is acknowledged that there will be occasions where recommendations do not fit with current policy. Such cases will be presented to the Board of Trustees or nominated trustees whose decision will be final. The Trustees will review the criteria biennially (or sooner if necessary) to ensure that UNISON Welfare’s funds are spent most effectively in carrying out the purposes of the charity. As part of this process, rather than trying to spread the charity’s resources thinly among many members the trustees will consider whether it might be more effective to target funds by giving larger benefits to a smaller number of people who are most in need and thus make an appreciable difference. In so doing, the Trustees will take into account the changing needs of UNISON members, economic and social circumstances and changes in the nature of public provision and the vulnerability of members on low incomes. At the same time, the Trustees will make every effort to ensure that the benefits given to individuals are no more than those actually required to relieve their need. This main policy document is supported by additional policy statements and procedures dealing with specific areas of activity. All should be considered together to form an integrated guide to best practice and procedures. WHO CAN APPLYThe Constitution and Rules of UNISON Welfare (the Governing document), states that the following persons are eligible to apply to UNISON Welfare:Members of UNISONPast members of NALGO Bona fide dependants or partners of members/past members of NALGOA bona fide dependant or partner of a deceased member/past member at the date of such member’s death UNISON staff paying such contribution as determined by the Board of TrusteesNote:Applications may only be accepted from those referred to in points 3 & 4 above where evidence of past membership has been provided by the applicant. A member must be up to date with their subscriptions at the time of applying.Eligibility to apply does not in itself confer entitlement to financial assistance. DEFINITIONSPartner – includes same-sex partners.A past member of NALGO - is defined as someone who on retirement, either on the grounds of age or health, was a fully paid up member of the Association.Dependant - a dependency relationship will exist where it can be shown that the member is or in the case of a deceased member was:Making a regular financial contribution necessary for the support of an individual e.g. in the case of a child in education, or providing significant and necessary physical care for that individual andWhere the individual concerned is a member of the immediate family and lives in the household of the member.A dependency relationship will also be acknowledged where the individual concerned belongs to the immediate family of the member but resides outside of the United Kingdom (evidence of regular payments made to provide support will be required).Note: The Board of Trustees shall decide at its absolute discretion whether a dependency relationship exists between an individual and the UNISON member in question.RESTRICTIONSUnemployed members are eligible to apply for assistance up to two years from the date their employment was terminated. Members who apply for financial assistance:In the first 4 weeks of membership will receive advice only*Who have been in membership for less than 3 months may not be awarded more than ?150 in financial support*Who have been in membership of between 3-6 months may not be awarded more than ?300 in financial supported.* *Note: These restrictions do not apply to members who have no recourse to public funds. The date of membership is taken as the ‘Entered Office’ date on RMS and comparison is made with the date that the application is received. Where a member submits a further application for the same issue at a later date to avoid membership restrictions, the date of the original application will still apply. No more than two applications for financial assistance (excluding requests submitted through the small grants programme) will normally be considered in any 3 year period other than where there are exceptional circumstances. Financial assistance is at the absolute discretion of the charity whose decision is final. There is no right of appeal.In all circumstances, applicants must demonstrate that the ‘hardship issue’ that led to their request for help occurred after they joined UNISON. Where a decision has been taken that financial assistance cannot be agreed in accordance with the above restrictions, then any further applications must relate to a new unexpected change of circumstances. DEFINITION OF FINANCIAL HARDSHIP AND WHO QUALIFIESThe Constitution and Rules of UNISON Welfare are expressed in general terms and the Trustees will decide how help of real value may be given to members in need.The Trustees accept that “Poverty” is not an absolute term and applicants do not have to be destitute to qualify as experiencing hardship, nor have to be “poor” over a long period of time to qualify. Someone suffering a temporary period of financial hardship due to a sudden change in circumstances might also be eligible for assistance. UNISON has many low paid members whose financial circumstances would render them eligible for assistance. Generally speaking, applications will be assessed having regard for ‘unforeseen hardship’ e.g.A sudden loss of incomeAbnormal increase in expenditure Death of a partner/dependant/relativeCircumstances which have put an unreasonable financial burden on a household and which could not have been predicted, anticipated or expectedThe need for an essential item which the applicant cannot afford or reasonably be expected to budget forEvery application will be assessed in consideration of the following:Whether the nature of the application falls within current policyThe financial position of the individual or household (including all income, capital whether immediately accessible or not, household expenditure, outstanding debts and liabilities)The personal circumstances e.g. health, domestic, work etcThe consequences for those involved Whether it is a long or short-term problemWhat the applicant has done or tried to do to improve mattersWhat practical help and/or advice can be given by UNISON Welfare to help improve matters e.g. income maximisation through benefit advice and/or sourcing help and assistance through other organisations. [See also ‘Cases Shared with Other Charities]Whether the request is outside current policy but exceptional and/or wholly unusual circumstances indicate that special consideration should be given to assistingADMINISTRATION AND DECISION MAKINGAPPLICATIONSApplications for financial assistance will be assessed by a caseworker and presented to the Casework Team Leader or Head of Welfare for review. Applications from UNISON staff will be assessed by the Casework Team Leader and presented to the Head of Welfare. DELEGATED POWERSA caseworker may agree financial assistance up to ?150 in those cases where a small amount of assistance will suffice and no other financial assistance is required (see also emergency payments).A caseworker may agree grants for Funeral costs, Wellbeing Breaks and Bankruptcy/Debt Relief Order costs within the limits specified in the eligibility criteria.The Casework Team Leader or Head of Welfare may refuse applications for financial assistance where the applicant has been dismissed on the grounds of gross misconduct. A caseworker may agree total assistance on an individual case up to an amount as delegated by the Casework Team Leader or Head of Welfare The Casework Team Leader may agree financial assistance up to an agreed limit..With the Head of Welfare the Casework Team Leader may agree assistance up to an agreed limit.Urgent applications of between ?2,500- ?4,000 will be referred to the nominated trustees. In non-urgent matters and/or where Trustees are scheduled to meet within 2-3 weeks, cases will be referred to a full Board meeting. Applications in excess of ?4,000 will be referred to a meeting of the Board of Trustees.Urgent applications will be referred* to two trustees which in all cases will include either the Chair or Vice-Chair or in non-urgent matters to a Board meeting as follows:Wholly unusual and/or exceptional circumstances** e.g. the request is outside the current scope for financial assistance or the level of assistance required exceeds the current grant limit. Where a member applies more than twice and/or financial assistance up to ?2,000 has already been granted.*** Note 1*: The Head of Welfare and Casework Team Leader have discretionary powers not to refer a case where this would serve no useful purpose e.g. where it is evident that the request is outside of criteria, the applicant has not acted on advice given etc. Note2**: Assistance granted under wholly unusual and/or exceptional circumstances does not in itself set a precedent for future cases. Each application will continue to be assessed on its own individual merits.Note 3***: Those living within the same household will be treated as one and the same even if they have applied under separate names other than where there are wholly unusual and/or exceptional circumstances. Additional cases referred to a Board of Trustees meeting:Where there has been a request to suspend or defer loan repayments or freeze interest (Note: this will apply whilst a small number of loans remain outstanding to the charity).ESTABLISHING FINANCIAL HARDSHIPWith the exception of Emergency Grants and certain specific targeted grant programmes, any financial assistance will always be based on a full assessment of need. This requires the completion of the relevant application form for financial assistance and submission of supporting documents to substantiate all household income and expenditure. Where there is significant excess income over expenditure; capital over debt; or unduly high expense in specific areas of spending these factors will be considered in the decision making and advice giving process. INCOMEThe financial assessment will take income from all sources into account including:Earnings – including partner's earningsMaintenancePensions and benefits – including partnersInterest on accessible savings and not linked to mortgageContributions from non-dependants e.g. children in work, other relatives, lodgers Income from other charitable organisations Disability Living Allowance Personal Independence PaymentEXPENDITURE & DEBTApplicants must account for all items of expenditure and, where necessary, will be prompted to consider any elements missing from the application form. In situations where there are complex financial arrangements, we may ask applicants to provide documentary evidence of greater than two months. Information about any ongoing debt – level and frequency of repayments and outstanding sums needs to be included for all household members. TREATMENT OF UNIVERSITY FEESWhere regular support payments made to older children at university can be evidenced from the supporting documents, these will be included as expenditure for purposes of the financial assessment of applications. This will only apply in short-term situations – in cases where the member’s income is likely to remain at a reduced level for a longer period, the expectation will be that support payments will either reduce or cease to be made and the financial assessment will reflect this. TREATMENT OF CAPITALFinancial assistance will not normally be given in cases where the applicant has capital of ?4,000. Or, in the case of retired members who are aged over 65, ?6,000. The extent to which any capital is disregarded will depend on the nature of the assistance being sought, and the overall circumstances of the applicant. A degree of discretion may need to be applied where, for example, an applicant has more capital than the threshold but is committed to funding major disability related adaptations having pursued all statutory assistance which will significantly reduce their savings. If the applicant has taken a loan for the purpose of essential repairs that temporarily takes capital held to above ?4,000, the loan amount can be disregarded. Conversely, it is not envisaged that someone with ?4,000 requiring low level financial assistance would be deemed to be experiencing ‘hardship’. In general terms, ‘capital’ includes:CashPremium BondsISAsStocks and SharesUnit TrustsCredit balances in Bank and Building Society accountsCapital belonging to any member of the applicant’s householdProperty (wherever it is owned) that is not the normal residence of the applicant or members of the household except if their circumstances require them to live elsewhere due to illness, caring responsibilities, change of work location or the member makes a temporary move to live with friends or relatives to reduce expenditure for a short period. Buy to let properties will have been purchased as a commercial arrangement with the intention of making income and capital returns. As such they are a business venture and will be taken into account as a capital resource even if at the time of application they are in negative equity. In general, any financial obligation linked to ‘buy to let’ will not form part of the hardship assessment other than where there are wholly exceptional and unusual circumstances and a Board decision is required. MEMBERSHIP OF THE HOUSEHOLDIt is an essential requirement to demonstrate that charitable funds have been appropriately directed in cases of financial need.Whilst acknowledging that many couples and family groups may have organised their personal finances on an individual basis, most applicants to the charity are seeking access to charitable funds that will benefit the whole household. Complex household arrangements require sensitive investigation when exploring the financial interactions between household members. The following guidance should be taken into consideration when assessing whether it is reasonable to suppose that any adult residents living in the same property as the applicant and partner who do not have a commercial status as a lodger/sub-tenant should be assumed to be contributing the household finances:The charity understands that families may have chosen for a number of reasons not to take a financial contribution from an adult family member living in their property and this is an individual decision. The fact that an unexpected change of circumstances has given rise to the need for an application for assistance to be made would, in most cases, be considered to be reasonable grounds for that arrangement to be revised, however. The charity will discuss the circumstances of the non-dependant adult with the member in all cases to enable any additional relevant factors to be taken into account, however a contribution equivalent to the standard housing costs contribution used in Universal Credit calculations plus the equivalent Council Tax Support reduction (where otherwise the applicant would have been entitled to a 25% reduction) will be used in the financial assessment.Conversely, where an applicant does not have their own accommodation but lives within someone else’s home, we will consider whether the amount paid towards rent, utilities and other household bills, food and housekeeping etc is representative of the actual costs. If they pay an amount reflective of a commercial arrangement, they would not be treated as members of that household. Tenants in multiple occupancy housing or lodgers who live entirely separately are excluded from being classified as part of the household. TRIGGER AMOUNTSUtilising information available from a number of different sources, acceptable cost levels are established and reviewed annually for variable areas of expenditure such as food and housekeeping. These ‘Trigger Amounts’ take into account the size of the household and are compared with the figures provided on applications. Adjustments are made to either increase or decrease the amounts provided to ensure they fall within the range of the Trigger Amounts to ensure a greater level of consistency in the assessment process. LOANSWhilst there are provisions in the Constitution & Rules to offer loans to beneficiaries, the Board of Trustees has determined that the charity will no longer provide assistance through this means. PAYMENT METHODSPayments will be made having regard for equity, choice and dignity of the individual and their financial circumstances and the administrative resources of UNISON Welfare as well as due diligence. Generally speaking one of the following methods will apply: Payments for goods/services: Payment is made direct to the supplier. Alternatively, payment can be made out to the supplier but sent either to the branch welfare officer or direct to the member on receipt of invoice.*Payments to reduce/clear debts: Direct to the creditor or if inappropriate payment will be made out to the creditor and sent either to the branch welfare officer or direct to the member.* Payments intended to meet everyday expenditure: Payment may be made out to the applicant and sent either via the branch welfare officer or direct to the member.*Urgent payments to third parties can be made via the charity’s credit card or BACs e.g. payments to Bailiffs to prevent seizure of goods.Payments may be made available to the member via, cheque, cash, bank transfer, Pre-payment card or other methods prescribed by the Head of Welfare as appropriate. Note*: In certain circumstances where, for example, help has been agreed for priority arrears and assurances are required that the beneficiary is maintaining contractual or negotiated payments then it may be more appropriate to distribute a grant over a phased period. This approach is particularly relevant where money management difficulties have been identified. It may also be a useful tool where a desired outcome is linked to ensuring the applicant has gained control of their finances. Phased payments may be applicable in other circumstances including situations where major building work is being undertaken.MONITORING AND EVALUATIONStatistical records of applications and day-to-day grant giving will be maintained and monitored on a regular basis as part of an evaluation of the charity’s activities that include:Reviews of sample individual applications to check compliance with all relevant policies and criteria of the fundEnsuring equality of opportunityQuarterly reports and annual summaries to the Board of Trustees to include identifying trends/emerging patterns, including applications that are turned down and providing remedies to problems. Complaints will be reported to the Board.Casework expenditure will be closely monitored in relation to the annual budget that has been set and reports given to the Board of Trustees.Regional Welfare Committees will also be provided with appropriate statistical reports. SCOPE OF ASSISTANCE AND CRITERIAOne of the primary aims of UNISON Welfare is to provide financial assistance as a short-term service providing a safety net for members. Where the problem is long-term, the accent will be to help the applicant adjust to their circumstances rather than relying on ongoing income maintenance.The charity is not obliged to give financial assistance to meet every identified need. Where a substantial number of needs exist, and it is unlikely that all can be met, the applicant may be asked to prioritise them although the final outcome of, and all decisions reached in any application rest entirely with UNISON Welfare. Whilst not exclusive, examples of the type of circumstances that may result in an application include:Working members on reduced pay due to long term illness and/or absence from work.Members prematurely retired on health grounds, or their contract of employment terminated for reasons related to ongoing poor health.Members experiencing financial distress through changes in their circumstances, or struggling with events they could not have predicted, anticipated or expectedDependants or surviving partners of deceased members who are facing financial difficulties.EXCLUSIONSAll decisions regarding financial help are made according to certain criteria, in consideration funds of available and, are at the sole discretion of the Trustees. However, some needs put forward by applicants will not meet the charity’s essential criteria for financial assistance. The Trustees have identified the following as outside the scope of assistance. The applicant has more than ?4,000 in savings (?6,000 for retired members over 65) - (see treatment of capital).The reason for the application is for school fees, to fund courses (further and higher education) or to repay a student loan.House purchase.Private medical treatment, or towards travel or associated costs related to receiving treatment in another country. [Note: Limited help with dental treatment costs may be considered]Car purchaseLegal fees, legal representation and including associated costs.Payment of fines.Consumer credit debt repayments, payday loans, overdrafts (grants can only be considered towards priority debtsDebts to family and friends Headstones or memorialsResidential or nursing home feesWhere help has been requested to make up loss of pay as a result of industrial action. By law, UNISON Welfare cannot provide financial assistance to relieve hardship that may occur as a direct result of taking industrial action. Members may still seek help in the normal way where there is evidence of financial difficulty before the onset of industrial action or, if an unrelated financial crisis were to occur during such time. Funds may not be used to replace statutory help (including help available through Local Welfare Assistance Schemes), since to use the charity’s funds in this way would serve only to bring the member to a similar financial position as that accessible through local or national funding streams. In effect, the charity would be relieving the state of its responsibilities. Where the issue requiring financial assistance pre-dates membership of UNISON. In this context, any ambiguity or consideration of exceptional circumstances will be dealt with by referral to a full Board meeting. A member's date of joining follows the promotion and launch date of a specific grants programme e.g. school uniform even where the member has 4 weeks paid subscription.Where a member is dismissed from employment and giving financial assistance could damage the charity's reputation. In this context, the grounds for dismissal would be gross misconduct of such a serious nature that includes but is not limited to: fraud, sexual abuse, violence, placing others at risk, theft and other criminal activities irrespective of whether the member is supported by their branch.Note: There will be circumstances where assistance may still be agreed for example where strong evidence exists to disprove the allegations. The case file will contain supporting documentation evidencing the reasons for and challenges against dismissal or other special circumstances. The Casework Team Leader or Head of Welfare will review the file in all instances ensuring that the justification for granting assistance is properly recorded.Only in exceptional and extenuating circumstances will a member be eligible to receive a grant in excess of the financial limits agreed by the BoardEMERGENCY GRANTSEmergency grants up to ?150 may be authorised by caseworkers, the Casework Team Leader or Head of Welfare in consultation with the Branch Welfare Officer or other local authorised representative. Payments can only be made where there is a crisis, and it is not possible to defer assessment pending receipt of a full application and, current emergency grant procedures have been followed. Only one emergency payment will be granted in any 3-year period other than where there are wholly unusual or exceptional circumstances. SPECIAL PAYMENTS TO RELIEVE DISTRESS Funeral expenses where the applicant is responsible for the payment and where no statutory help or UNISON rule book benefit is available or there is a shortfall. Payment will be made directly to the Funeral directors on receipt of an unpaid invoice. Once only deposits on rented accommodation may be considered in the following circumstances after all potential alternative housing and funding has been explored e.g. Local Authority provision, bond schemes:Applicant is escaping an abusive relationship Where the applicant has been evicted, there are children involved and/or there are serious health issuesSingle members who are considered to be vulnerable.Lump sum grants to help with travel expenses e.g. to attend hospital appointments or visit family in hospital or prison and where no statutory help is available or more frequent visits may be desirable than payments from public funds will allow. Assistance may also be considered with short-term costs to enable applicant to travel to and from their place of employment where they would otherwise be prevented from doing so. Payments to meet expenses incurred whilst undergoing non-private medical treatment e.g. childcare, accommodation.Payments to assist in meeting housing costs, council tax, and utilities may be considered where there is temporarily insufficient income. Assistance may be agreed where there is no entitlement to benefit, the problem is short-term and the applicant has demonstrated that were arrears to accrue they would be unable to clear the debt even with appropriate debt management advice. It is unlikely that this area of assistance would be given in addition to a weekly grant. Childcare and carer costs where there is a family crisis or sudden loss of income.Grant to assist with car repairs and replacement tyres. Grants will not be given for MOT’s or servicing. WEEKLY GRANTS Weekly grants can be considered for a limited period. As debt repayments often severely affect the level of disposable income the caseworker will assess whether a weekly grant is appropriate especially if the applicant is in considerable debt. Weekly allowances can be considred for a limited period to meet a temporary need (e.g. there has been a sudden loss of income or increase in expenditure and there is insufficient income to meet outgoings) to help with everyday costs. This could include food, travel to work or school travel. A weekly grant can be awarded for up to 12 weeks but will usually be awarded for a 6 week period. Weekly allowances can also be considered to help with food and personal costs where there is no income and benefits are awaited. A weekly grant in these circumstances can be awarded for up to 6 weeks but reviewed after 4 weeks. MIGRANT WORKERSAlthough weekly grants are normally for a maximum of 12 weeks, consideration can be given to extending this for migrant workers in those circumstances where they are not eligible for state benefits as in ‘no recourse to public funds’ Payments to cover, or partially cover, rent for a maximum period of two months can also be made where there is ‘no recourse to public funds’. WELLBEING BREAKS General principlesUnison Welfare will not reimburse or contribute towards the cost of a break that has already been booked or takenTravel insurance is the responsibility of the applicant.Help may be given towards the cost of a day out, short break, or other activities as defined by the Board of Trustees from time to time. Week long breaks will only be considered in exceptional circumstances.All grants are discretionary and subject to available funding. Any grant agreed will have an expiry date of 4 months from confirmation and will be subject to any criteria conditions continuing to be met.No additional grant for travel costs or other expenditure will be made over and above the grant limits set by the Board of Trustees except in exceptional circumstances. However any unused element of a grant that has been agreed can be put towards purchasing a travel card, petrol costs etc. Applicants will therefore need to take this into considerationThere may be circumstances where help is declined even though criteria conditions have been met for example where in addition to applying for a break, other help has been requested. In these circumstances, the Caseworker will always identify the main priorities as part of an overall assessment and may therefore signpost the applicant to other sources of help. Documentation to support the need for a break for example copy medical certificate, occupational health report, GP letter, etc may be asked for. Get Well Break eligibility criteria: Day out or short breakIllness that has prevented attendance at work for at least 3 months. Member must still be off work or on a phased return at the time the break is taken.Members suffering the ongoing effects of post-traumatic stress disorderMembers diagnosed with a serious illness in the last 12 monthsMembers currently struggling to stay in-work and diagnosed with a mental health condition in the last 12 months.Breaks in special circumstances: Day out/short break or up to one week in exceptional circumstancesRespite break eligibility: Break for carer who is in receipt of Carer’s Allowance and has day to day responsibility for a disabled dependent providing that any statutory or local authority assistance has already been explored. In addition to help with a day out or short break, consideration may be given to one-off funding for activities such as recreational classes e.g. yoga classes, art, stress management etc.Bereavement:Children in education who have lost a parent within the last 12 months and where the deceased is the member, the member’s partner or children’s legal guardian.Where a parent has lost a child in the last 12 monthsA grant up to the equivalent of that given for a one week break towards the cost of attending the funeral of a close relative abroad.*[*Note: It is not anticipated that the additional help with funeral costs will be given in these circumstances].Other:Assistance can be considered on occasions where a serious and traumatic/tragic occurrence has taken place, e.g. where the member has been the victim of a serious crime or has witnessed/had involvement in a major work incident and immediate support is needed. In exceptional instances, an assessment of financial hardship may not be necessary.Family BreakA scheme that makes use of money held in the Bucket & Spade fund has been agreed. This policy document will be updated once administrative arrangements to support the application process have been put in place.REHABILITATIONTreatment provided through the NHS and other agencies associated with serious debilitating disorders and alcohol/drug dependency may involve a cost e.g. accommodation. Where residential treatment is provided through the NHS or other agency help may be considered alongside any additional help that may be needed by partners/children. Grant limits set for specialist accommodation will apply and cases reported to the Board of Trustees. (See Wellbeing breaks). HOUSEHOLD ITEMS Once only grants to make purchases necessary for the well-being of the applicant and their dependants and where items are worn out or beyond repair may be considered. Essential household furniture and equipment are sourced through the charity’s preferred suppliers (installation costs are included. Removal costs are also covered where there is no free and suitable alternative offered by the local authority). In circumstances where the item required can only be obtained from a specialist trader, payment will be made direct to the provider. Assistance will not be given to cover the cost of an extended warranty on any household appliance. Where a number of items have been requested, there will be an overall maximum limit on the total cost that may be considered. Eligibility to help from any local authority scheme will be assessed and advice on local furniture projects given. Domestic appliancesGas cooker Electric cooker Fridge Fridge/freezer Vacuum cleaner Washing machine/Dryer Furniture/furnishingsSingle bed Double bed Bunk bed Single mattress Double mattress Bedroom furniture Lounge/dining furniture Television Floor covering DISABILITYAssistance for people with disabilities to help purchase special needs equipment, undertake house adaptation or repairs will be considered. Applications will only be considered upon receipt of an Occupational Therapist’s report and having accessed all statutory and local welfare assistance scheme help.Wheelchairs/scooters – (we will usually seek to obtain joint funding wherever necessary in these cases). Deposits for vehicles leased under the Motability scheme or vehicle adaptations Special chair/adjustable bedEmergency care alarms Stair lift Home adaptations/repairs* Computer/software [Note: *Checks will be made to ensure that the most cost effective solution suitable for the individual’s needs has been selected]MEDICAL COSTSApplicants in receipt of means-tested benefits are entitled to help with certain items from the NHS. Where help is not available or assistance is less than that available through public provision assistance may be considered. Prescription costs – Up to the fee charged for an annual season pre-payment certificate.Dental treatment – Up to the equivalent of Band 3 treatment according to the fee structure applicable in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland (assistance can be considered towards private dental costs where a NHS practitioner has not been available.) Spectacles – Increased costs where specialist lenses are required will be considered on a case by case basis. Hearing Aid.HOUSEHOLD MAINTENANCE AND SERVICESEssential home repairs to address needs associated with health, age, access, safety or security. Assistance in a variety of ways to ensure the wellbeing of the applicant may be considered. Emergency property/home repairs (including boiler replacement/repairs) up ?1000 and payable direct to the contractor. Decoration – Payable direct to the contractorDecorating materials Security alarms – in circumstances where the applicant is at risk e.g. domestic violence.Removal expenses/storage fees – Payable direct to the contractor.Building insurance costs – Up to minimum amount needed to ensure continuity of basic monthly cover where the problem is short-term or a payment to meet a one-off annual premium in exceptional circumstances. Telephone installation or reconnection fees and charges (including mobile phones) – only in cases where applicants are at risk. UTILITY COSTSApplicable only where abnormally high fuel costs have been identified associated with health or other special needs and where there is insufficient income to meet this additional expenditure a grant may be considered.CLOTHING Help with clothing grants may be considered where health problems have resulted in loss/increase in weight, a member has fled the home after domestic abuse or where clothing has been destroyed as a result of a house fire. Grants for children’s clothing including school uniforms may also be considered.ALTERNATIVE RESOURCESUNISON Welfare will not replicate, replace or pre-empt services or financial assistance that should be met by statutory provision. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate that they have applied for, and accepted all relevant sources of assistance from statutory sources including local welfare provision where appropriate such as:Local Welfare Assistance Scheme (England), Discretionary Support Loan or Grant (Northern Ireland), Scottish Welfare Fund (Scotland), Discretionary Assistance Fund (Wales) We will consider whether there is any additional income to which the applicant or family member should be entitled (particularly in respect of unclaimed state benefits and allowances) and we will advise applicants about how to claim any identified benefits as part of the application process. In some cases, it will become apparent that applicants have omitted to inform statutory services of their full circumstances such as undeclared income or others living in their home. Consequently they may be receiving payments or services to which they may not be fully entitled. We will remind applicants of their duty to ensure that statutory services are fully aware of their situation and confirm this advice in writing. Financial assistance will be refused to applicants who we believe knowingly continue to withhold information or make fraudulent claims. We will consider whether or not an applicant has exhausted all other avenues of help before they have applied to the charity and will expect that they have also considered:Using capital and savingsAffordable commercial borrowingAffordable loan arrangements from familyApplications to other funds and charities. Where a member has been signposted to sources of alternative charitable assistance at the time of previous applications, further financial assistance will not be considered unless the member has pursued the possibility of funding from the other charities identified.CASES SHARED WITH OTHER CHARITIESLike other organisations that give charitable grants, UNISON Welfare may, where appropriate seek to share costs with other relevant organisations – a process known as almonisation.Furthermore, where assistance is requested beyond the grant limit and/or it is reasonable to assume that the applicant or members of the household are eligible to receive assistance from other sources, the caseworker will work to identify and secure funds from such sources, both statutory and charitable. Such an approach ensures that the charity’s funds are used to maximum effect and so that the responsibility of assisting eligible beneficiaries is shared with the other appropriate organisations. This applies in all circumstances.Similarly UNISON Welfare will accept applications from other charitable grant organisations seeking to almonise their casework. In these circumstances, applications will be assessed according to our rules, criteria and standards of evidence.See Casework Procedures on almonising for further information. CASES SHARED WITH THE AMBULANCE SERVICE WORKERS HARDSHIP FUNDThe administration of ASWHF is undertaken by UNISON Welfare staff. The trustees of ASWHF have agreed that their grants policy for financial assistance will mirror that of UNISON Welfare. ASWHF and UNISON Welfare have also agreed that in those cases where the applicant is a UNISON member any grant agreed will be shared between the two charities regardless of whether the application has come via UNISON Welfare or ASWHF. This position will be kept under review and may change depending on the needs expressed by ambulance service workers and/or demands on the fund. Ambulance personnel eligible to apply to ASWHF are:> Members of GMB> Members of UNITE > Members of UNISONAppendix 1DEBT POLICYIn order to provide appropriate solutions to financial difficulties, in cases of severe or unmanageable debt the following procedure will apply:Applicants with more than ?4,000 in debt and/or where meeting payments leaves the applicant unable to meet basic living costs will be referred for advice through UNISON Debtline or face to face advice where this is more appropriate for assessment and recommendation prior to deciding on financial support. Where appropriate, the debt adviser’s recommendation will be followed and grants awarded as necessary. Where the applicant is taking advice from elsewhere e.g. Citizens Advice, the caseworker will always liaise with such organisation to ensure that the most appropriate solution to the problem can be found before allocating grant. Where bankruptcy or Debt Relief Order action is the preferred option and the member has been advised to take this action by a recognised debt adviser grants towards fees – either in full or part – may be given.Where debt exceeds ?5,000 and an Administration Order is the option recommended by the money adviser a grant may be approved by the Team Leader in order to bring the overall debt to within the level that an Administration Order can successfully be applied for. The advice of UNISON Debtline is not necessary in cases where urgent help is required towards utility bills, rent arrears or council tax arrears to prevent disconnection, eviction, and imprisonment. Grants can be awarded immediately in these cases and if necessary, the case will then be referred on. Where assistance is recommended, the caseworker will always negotiate with the creditor to seek a minimum payment that is sufficient to prevent or defer action meaning that the debt may not necessarily be paid in full - other than in exceptional circumstances. The emphasis will not be to take on the problem but to provide advice and to support the applicant in achieving workable long-term solutions. On occasion, this may mean that financial support is given on a phased basis rather than payment of a larger sum up-front. Car loansWhere the member is unable to work and/or maintain caring responsibilities without access to a car can be considered providing a long-term solution which will allow the member to meet future payments can be identified. The creditor should first be approached for consideration of a temporary suspension of payments. If this is refused or a suspension period has already been given, grant assistance can be considered. UNIVERSAL CREDIT Regular charitable income payments made directly to a beneficiary should not be taken into account as unearned income in Universal Credit.? To be unearned income a charitable payment does not have to be weekly or monthly, but could be bi-monthly, quarterly or even irregular if the payments are frequent enough to be averaged to determine a period over which they should be assessed.? However, there must be some indication that a second or third payment will be forthcoming for a payment to be treated as unearned income and therefore not taken into account in the Universal Credit assessment.? One off or irregular lump sum payments from charities will however be treated as capital in the Universal Credit assessment.? Payments from UNISON Welfare are unlikely to affect our beneficiary group as only capital over the lower ?6,000 capital limit affects Universal Credit entitlement. In terms of financial assistance that can be considered as a result of difficulties facing many claimants of Universal Credit, the charity can consider assistance in addition to advice provision in the following circumstances:At the start of a claim, a one-off weekly living cost grant equivalent to a maximum of a 3 week grant can be considered to lessen the impact of recovery of an advance payment of UC which will be deducted from future baseline benefit amounts. Income from other sources together with any available savings will be taken into consideration in the usual way as part of the assessment. Members who find that they are disadvantaged by the Assessment Period/Payday Frequency issue can be considered for a one-off weekly grant payment to reduce the financial difficulties that result from the periods during which no benefit payment is made. ................
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