NORTHUMBERLAND EMERGENCY
TRANSITION SUPPORT
WELCOME

From 1 April 2013, Dawn Advice will be working in partnership with Five Lamps and Voices
Northumberland delivering the replacement scheme to the DWP Social Fund and Crisis Loans for
Northumberland, under the branding Nets.

The purpose of today’s information workshop is to explain:
- Background
- How to apply
- Who will be eligible:
- Qualifying conditions for Emergency Support & details of the support that can be awarded
- Qualifying conditions for Transition Support & details of the support that can be awarded
- What the Exclusions are
- Application Process
- Out of Hours Support
- What support is still available elsewhere
BACKGROUND

The Welfare Reform Act 2012 abolished the discretionary elements of the
Department of Work & Pensions (DWP) Social Fund (Crisis Loans for items and Daily
Living Expenses and Community Support Grants)

Local Authorities were requested to design local provision and although there was no
requirement to set up a scheme in a particular way, partnership working with the
third sector was encouraged

Northumberland County Council responded to this challenge by advertising the
commissioning opportunity to run the scheme from 1 April 2013

Following a competitive tendering process Dawn Advice, Five Lamps and Voices
Northumberland were awarded the contract to deliver the scheme, called NETS on
behalf of the Council
NETS: MAIN FEATURES

The operation of NETS is at the Council’s discretion

Support for goods and services may take the form of a loan, a grant or a combination of the two depending
upon an assessment of need and the applicants financial circumstances

Support will be through goods or services, only in very exceptional cases would cash be given

People do not have a statutory right to support from the NETS

The total amount available for loans and/or grants in any financial year through NETS is cash limited

Please note that even if an applicant meets the criteria an award will not always be given. Consideration will
also be given to the balance available in the NETS budget . In doing this, the priority of each case will be
compared to other applications

There is a duty not to overspend the annual budget and consideration will be given to each application on its
individual merits
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE DWP SOCIAL FUND AND NETS

Awards will be made in the form of goods and services,
NOT cash (only in exceptional circumstances)

Awards are dependent on funds available at the time of the application

Repayment of loans will no longer be deducted from the customers benefit payment

Awards will be made in the form of a loan or a grant (or combination of both)
depending on affordability at the time of application
SUPPORT STILL AVAILABLE FROM DWP

Short Term Advances (previously known as Crisis Loan alignment payments)
 Supports people when they first make a benefit claim
 Provides an advance of their future benefit award
 Supports people who have experienced a change of circumstances that will increase the
amount of benefit to which they are entitled
 Supports people where the first benefit payment is for a shorter period than subsequent
payments
 In cases where it is impractical for benefit to be paid on the due date

Budgeting Loans (or Budgeting Advances for Universal Credit recipients)
 Support income-related benefit claimants who have been in receipt of such benefit for 26
weeks or more
 Emergency and unforeseen expenses (rent, furniture etc)
NETS
What sort of things can be supported?

Emergency Support
To prevent an immediate deterioration to an applicant’s health by providing short-term
access to food, gas and electricity supply and limited supplies of clothing and baby
consumables, such as nappies and milk.

Transition Support
To help applicants through periods of transition, for example, to remain in the
community or move back into the community after a period in supported or unsettled
accommodation. It does this by providing access to a range of standard items such as
beds, bedding, furniture and white goods.
How to Apply
Dawn Advice
Telephone
Online
Lines are open:
Monday to Thursday
8:30am – 5pm
Friday
8:30am – 4:30pm
Lines will be closed:
Weekends & Bank Holidays
A call back facility will be available to those who request a return call
0300 303 1931
www.dawnadvice.org.
uk
• Accessible 24/7, however applications will be assessed during normal assessment times
only, which are:
Monday to Thursday
8:30am – 5pm
Friday
8:30am – 4:30pm
Assessment services are closed: Weekends & Bank Holidays
Who can Apply?
Direct
The Applicant
Their Appointee / Carer / Advocate
3rd Party
Trusted Partners & Specialist Providers
Evidence will need to be provided
Declaration by referrer either online or verbally
that evidence of eligibility and need has been
seen and verified.
ELIGIBILITY
What is the main Eligibility Criteria?
The funds available for support are limited, and therefore very specific eligibility criteria have been created in
order for NETS to support those most in need.

Firstly, the applicant must be aged 16 years or over and be a resident of Northumberland, or in exceptional
circumstances be in the process of moving into the county to flee domestic violence, hate crime, forced
marriage or honour based violence.

And secondly, there is a limit of 2 support awards that can be awarded per applicant, per financial year.
(Only in extreme exceptional circumstances would a third application be considered)
Even if the applicant qualifies to make an application there is no guarantee that any support will be provided,
although NETS would wish to be able to provide names of other services that may be able to offer support
depending on the applicant’s own personal circumstances.
QUALIFYING CONDITIONS
Emergency Support
An immediate need for items or services has arisen following an exceptional event or unforeseen
circumstances involving the destruction or loss of property or possessions:
Exceptional
Event
Eg. The applicant has suffered a disaster to their home such as
• Major flooding
• Gas explosion
• House fire
Where serious damage has been caused to the home or the home is now uninhabitable
As a direct result of the inability to afford the goods or services requested either the heath of the applicant
or their partner will immediately deteriorate:
Health
needs
Applicant must also meet at least one of the following criteria:
•
Have a serious physical health problem, which they are receiving treatment for
•
Have a dependent child who normally lives with them and their health would be at immediate risk
•
Are homeless, or at risk of homelessness
•
Have a substance or alcohol misuse problem that they are receiving treatment for
•
Are on probation or receiving support relating to their offending history
•
Are affected by, or at risk of domestic abuse, hate crime, honour based violence or forced marriage
•
Have a learning disability
•
Have a physical or sensory impairment
•
Have a mental health problem, that they are receiving treatment for
•
Are aged 50 or over with support needs
•
Are 24 weeks or more pregnant
EVIDENCE COLLECTING
Emergency Support
Proof of
Address
•
•
•
•
•
Tenancy agreement
Mortgage Statement
Council Tax Bill
Utility Bill (Gas, Electricity, Water, Landline Telephone – [not a mobile])
Proof of income (Letter from HMRC/Local Authority/Job Centre)
Evidence is to show applicants full name and address and be dated within 3 months of application.
The address shown on the evidence must match the address provided on application.
Exceptional
Event
Proof of
Identity
•
•
•
•
•
Driving Licence
Passport
Birth Certificate
Marriage Certificate
Decree Absolute
• A Letter
• A Claim Number
Proof of
Need
• An Inspection, Incident, Crime or Investigation Report
• An Inspection, Incident, Crime or Investigation Reference No.
• From any of the following:
• Insurance Company
• Police Force
• Fire Brigade
• Utility Company
• Northumberland County Council
• Any other relevant body
Evidence Collecting
Emergency Support
Proof of
Address
•
•
•
•
•
Tenancy agreement
Mortgage Statement
Council Tax Bill
Utility Bill (Gas, Electricity, Water, Landline Telephone – [not a mobile])
Proof of income (Letter from HMRC/Local Authority/Job Centre)
Evidence is to show applicants full name and address and be dated within 3 months of application.
The address shown on the evidence must match the address provided on application.
Health
needs
Proof of
Identity
•
•
•
•
•
Driving Licence
Passport
Birth Certificate
Marriage Certificate
Decree Absolute
• A Letter
• A Document
Proof of
Need
• Or in exceptional cases where evidence cannot be provided, the
contact details of their support worker in the relevant support agency
• From any of the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
GP
Hospital
Health Worker’s
Children/Adult Services
Education Provider
Solicitor
•
•
•
•
•
•
Landlord
Mortgage Company
Northumberland Council
Probation Service
Northumbria Police Force
Any other relevant body
Evidence Collecting
x
x
x
x
They have a dependent child under 16 who normally lives with
them, who’s health would be at immediate risk
x
x
x
x
x
They have a learning disability
x
x
x
x
They have a physical or sensory impairment
x
x
x
They have a mental health problem, for which they are receiving
treatment or support for
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Northumbria Police Force
They are 24 weeks or more pregnant
Probation Service
x
Northumberland Council
x
Mortgage Company
x
Landlord
Health Worker’s
They have a serious physical health problem, which they are
receiving treatment for
Health needs
Solicitor
Hospital
Education Provider
GP
Children/Adult Services
Emergency Support
Evidence Collecting
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Northumbria Police Force
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Mortgage Company
x
Landlord
x
Solicitor
x
Probation Service
They are homeless, or at risk of homelessness
x
Northumberland Council
They are on probation or receiving support relating to their
offending history
Education Provider
They are affected by, or at risk of domestic abuse, hate crime,
honour based violence or forced marriage
Children/Adult Services
They are aged 50 or over with support needs
Health Worker’s
They have a substance or alcohol misuse problem, for which they
are receiving treatment or support for
Hospital
Health needs
GP
Emergency Support
x
FORMS OF SUPPORT
Emergency Support
Food
(up to 7 days of support)
Voucher to be redeemed at a Supermarket
(set value depending on circumstance)
Key consumables for babies
(up to 7 days of support)
Voucher to be redeemed at a Supermarket
(set value depending on circumstance)
Clothing
(up to 7 days of support)
Pre-paid Love to Shop Voucher
(set value depending on circumstance)
Heating
(up to 7 days of support)
Pre-payment Voucher/Direct payment to Supplier
(set value depending on circumstance)
Travel
(return travel costs for specific event)
Bus Voucher/Train Ticket/Arrangement of a Taxi
A decision within 2 hours (we would hope an immediate decision could be made in most cases)
If the decision is made before 1pm then support will be provided the same day
If the decision is made after 1pm then support will be providing on the next working day
QUALIFYING CONDITIONS
Transition
As a direct result of the inability to afford the goods or services, the applicants health will immediately
deteriorate
Health
needs
Applicants must also meet at least one of the following criteria:
•
Have a dependent child who normally lives with them and their health would be at immediate risk
•
Are homeless, or at risk of homelessness
•
Have a substance or alcohol misuse problem that they are receiving treatment for
•
Are on probation or receiving support relating to their offending history
•
Are affected by, or at risk of domestic abuse, hate crime, honour based violence or forced marriage
•
Have a learning disability
•
Have a physical or sensory impairment
•
Have a mental health problem, that they are receiving treatment for
•
Are aged 50 or over with support needs
•
Are 24 weeks or more pregnant
And also need;
You require support to re/settle into community life within Northumberland:
Settlement
• Move back into the community after a stay in supported or temporary accommodation or following an unsettled way
of life as part of a planned resettlement programme
• Move out of inappropriate accommodation
• Stay in your home and prevent a move into residential care or hospital
• Prevent a serious deterioration of health within the home
• Ease exceptional pressures for an applicant and their family
Qualifying Conditions
Transition
Settlement
• Move back into the
community after a stay
in supported or
temporary
accommodation or
following an unsettled
way of life as part of a
planned resettlement
programme
• Move out of
inappropriate
accommodation
Examples of such accommodation are:
• Hospital or other medical establishments
• Care home
• Hostel
• Staff intensive sheltered housing
• Local Authority care
• Prison or detention centre
• Short term supported housing
• Bed and breakfast accommodation with a high level of
floating support
Examples of inappropriate accommodation are:
• Over or under occupation within the property and no other
form of assistance is available e.g. through a social housing
provider
• Accommodation is deemed unsuitable for human
habitation
• There is an unacceptable risk of domestic abuse, honour
based crime, forced marriage within the home or hate
crime
• Housing conditions will result in a serious deterioration in
the health of the applicant or family member
The applicant must also be establishing
themselves in the community. Both the time
spent in the accommodation (usually a
minimum of 3 months or a pattern of
frequent or regular admission) and the level
of individual care and supervision provided
whilst living in the accommodation will be
taken into consideration by the deliverer
when making a decision.
Applicants may receive Settlement Support if
it can be verified by a specialist provider that
the applicant or a member of their family is
living in accommodation that is no longer
suitable for them.
Qualifying Conditions
Transition
Settlement
Applicants may receive Settlement Support if this will help them to stay in the community, rather
than enter residential care or hospital. Some of the factors considered when making a decision will
include:
• Stay in your home and
prevent a move into
residential care or hospital
• Prevent a serious
deterioration of health
within the home
• Ease exceptional pressures
for an applicant and their
family
• How immediate is the likelihood of going into such accommodation
• How long the applicant is anticipated to remain in such accommodation
• Whether the type of item or service required would prevent or delay entering such
accommodation
• If the support will reduce the frequency of stays in such accommodation
• Some examples of situations where support may be provided are:
• Help with expenses for improving the home to maintain living conditions
• Help to move to more suitable accommodation or to be nearer someone who can provide care
and support
Applicants may receive Settlement Support if the heath of the applicant or family member will
significantly deteriorate as a direct result of the inability to afford the goods or services requested.
Examples include breakdown of relationships within the family (including domestic violence,
honour based violence or forced marriage)
Qualifying Conditions
Transition
And must meet the following criteria;
Be in receipt of one of the following benefits:
Qualifying benefits
•
Income Support
•
Income Based Job Seekers Allowance
•
Income Related Employment Support Allowance
•
Any type of Pension Credit
The qualifying benefit or assessment may change with the introduction of Universal
Credit
The applicant must also be moving into a property within the Northumberland Local
Authority area.
AND;
Leaving supported
accommodation
The applicant is leaving or is expected to be discharged within 6 weeks from
accommodation in which they receive significant and substantial care and supervision
from, and they will be expected to receive one of the benefits listed above.
The applicant must also be moving into a property within the Northumberland Local
Authority area.
If they do meet these criteria and are therefore eligible, then they must have applied for a budgeting
loan or advance from the DWP and have been declined before their application will be considered
Evidence Collecting
Transition
Proof of
Address
•
•
•
•
•
Tenancy agreement
Mortgage Statement
Council Tax Bill
Utility Bill (Gas, Electricity, Water, Landline Telephone – [not a mobile])
Proof of income (Letter from HMRC/Local Authority/Job Centre)
Evidence is to show applicants full name and address and be dated within 3 months of application.
The address shown on the evidence must match the address provided on application.
Health
needs
Proof of
Identity
•
•
•
•
•
Driving Licence
Passport
Birth Certificate
Marriage Certificate
Decree Absolute
• A Letter
• A Document
Proof of
Need
• Or in exceptional cases where evidence cannot be provided, the
contact details of their support worker in the relevant support agency
• From any of the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
GP
Hospital
Health Worker’s
Children/Adult Services
Education Provider
Solicitor
•
•
•
•
•
•
Landlord
Mortgage Company
Northumberland Council
Probation Service
Northumbria Police Force
Any other relevant body
Evidence Collecting
x
x
x
x
They have a dependent child under 16 who normally lives with
them, who’s health would be at immediate risk
x
x
x
x
x
They have a learning disability
x
x
x
x
They have a physical or sensory impairment
x
x
x
They have a mental health problem, for which they are receiving
treatment or support for
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Northumbria Police Force
They are 24 weeks or more pregnant
Probation Service
x
Northumberland Council
x
Mortgage Company
x
Landlord
Health Worker’s
They have a serious physical health problem, which they are
receiving treatment for
Health needs
Solicitor
Hospital
Education Provider
GP
Children/Adult Services
Transition
Evidence Collecting
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
They are aged 50 or over with support needs
They are affected by, or at risk of domestic abuse, hate crime,
honour based violence or forced marriage
They are on probation or receiving support relating to their offending
history
They are homeless, or at risk of homelessness
Northumbria Police Force
x
Probation Service
Education Provider
x
Northumberland Council
Children/Adult Services
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Mortgage Company
Health Worker’s
x
Landlord
Hospital
They have a substance or alcohol misuse problem, for which they are
receiving treatment or support for
Solicitor
Health needs
GP
Transition
x
Evidence Collecting
Transition
Settlement
• Support to move back into the community after a stay in
supported or temporary accommodation or following an
unsettled way of life as part of a planned resettlement
programme
Evidence
• Contact details for the support worker from the relevant support
agency/specialist provider which will then be verified
• Move out of inappropriate accommodation
• Contact details for the support worker from the relevant support
agency/specialist provider which will then be verified to show that the
applicant or a member of their family is living in accommodation that is
no longer suitable for them.
• Stay in your home and prevent a move into residential care or
hospital
• Contact details for the support worker from the relevant support
agency/specialist provider which will then be verified
• Prevent a serious deterioration of health within the home
• Contact details for the support worker from the relevant support
agency/specialist provider which will then be verified
• Letter from a healthcare professional
• Ease exceptional pressures for an applicant and their family
• Contact details for the support worker from the relevant support
agency/specialist provider which will then be verified
• Letter from a healthcare professional, councillor , solicitor, etc.
Evidence Collecting
Transition
Evidence
•
Qualifying benefits
Leaving supported
accommodation
Benefit Letter showing entitlement to:
Income Support
Income Based Job Seekers Allowance
Income Related Employment Support Allowance
Any type of Pension Credit
The qualifying benefit or assessment may change with the introduction of Universal Credit
• A letter outlining plans/new address details
• Contact details for the support worker from the relevant support agency/specialist
provider which will then be verified
Moving into the community
• A letter outlining plans/new address details
• Contact details the relevant support agency/specialist provider which will then be
verified
Have applied for a Budgeting
Loan or Advance from the
DWP and been declined
• Declined letter from DWP
• Access to CIS system for details to be verified
FORMS OF SUPPORT
Transition
• Standalone Gas Cooker
• Standalone Electric Cooker
• 6KG 1200 Spin Washing Machine
• Undercounter Fridge
• Undercounter Freezer
• Freestanding Fridge Freezer
Furniture
(direct delivery)
• 1 Seater Sofa
• 2 Seater Sofa
• Dining Table
• Single Bed
• Single Mattress
• Double Bed
Small Electricals
• Conventional Microwave
• Kettle
• 2 Slice Toaster
White Goods
(direct delivery)
• Goods
• Pair of Dining Chairs
• 2 Door Wardrobe
• Set of Drawers
• Double Mattress
• Bunk Beds
• Cot
• Iron
• Upright Vacuum Cleaner
• Bedding set to fit bed or cot, as appropriate
Bedding
• Goods
• 3 Pan Set
• Frying Pan
• Utensils Set
• 16 piece Cutlery Set
• 16 piece Crockery Set
Household Equipment
• Ironing Board with Cover
• Mop & Bucket
• Dust pan and brush
• Tea Towels (Pack of 4)
Bathroom Equipment
• 2 - 4 Hand towels
• 2 - 4 Bath towels
• Rug/Carpet
• Curtains
• Voucher
Kitchen Equipment
Furnishings
• Furniture
recycling
FORMS OF SUPPORT
Transition
Travel
Storage/ Removal
Housing
• Travel Voucher
• Goods
• Rent in
Advance
Return travel for specific event such as;
• Hospital
• Funeral
• Prison Visit
• Storage costs for upto 7 days
• (Exceptional circumstance and direct referral from Housing Options
or Similar provider only)
A decision within 5 working days
If successful, awards will be provided from 48 hours of award decision being made
EXCLUSIONS
NETS
Limited to 2 awards per applicant for each financial year
Court expenses
Not available to people under the age of 16
Removal or storage charges following a Compulsory P.O.
A need which occurs outside of Northumberland
Debt to Government/ Local Authority
People with savings or investments
Council Tax – payments; arrears
People in full-time education (unless receive qualifying benefit)
Domestic assistance and respite care
Care home residents and hospital in-patients (unless as part of planned
resettlement)
Holidays
Prisoners who are in prison or released on a temporary license
Medical services
Persons who are members of and fully maintained by a religious order
School – uniform; sports equipment; travel; meals
Foreign nationals with limited immigration status
Telephone – purchase; installation; rental; call charges
Foreign nationals with no recourse to public funds
TV/ Radio - license; ariel; rental charges
Work/ educational/ training expenses
UK nationals who are not habitually resident in the UK
Car – garages; parking; running costs
Housing (Including rent in advance)
In order to maximise NETS resources, any application eligible for other sources of public funding will generally not be considered.
NOT HAPPY?

NETs does not operate an appeals process

NETs is keen to have feedback on it’s services.
Feedback, including suggestion, comment and complaint
on any aspect of the service should be made in the first
instance to DAWN (Advice) on 0300 303 1931
Would you like an electronic copy of
this document?
If Yes, then please find it on our website:
www.dawnadvice.org.uk
Any Questions?