The Social Fund is in two parts, the Regulated Social Fund and the Discretionary Social Fund.

The Regulated Social Fund deals with things like Winter Fuel Payments and Sure Start Maternity Grants that are paid if the claimant fulfils certain criteria and has a legal entitlement to payment.

The Discretionary Social Fund is, like the name suggests, paid at the discretion of the Department of Works and Pensions as to whether a payment is made.

Community Care Grants

Community Care Grants are payments that do not have to be paid back that are paid to promote care in the community for, amongst other things, ensuring people stay out of residential care or hospital or to help someone set up home after a stay in hospital or similar institution.

Budgeting Loans

Budgeting Loans are repayable loans that help people who have been on certain benefits for a long time meet needs that are not necessarily covered by regular benefit payments.

Crisis Loans

Crisis Loans are repayable loans for someone (not just benefit claimants) in need because of an emergency. To be paid a Crisis Loan you must be facing a risk to your health or safety and the loan must be your only means of obtaining money to help. You must be able to explain how you will pay then money back in the near future.

To claim Community Care Grants (form SF300) and Budgeting Loans (form SF500) contact the regional Benefit delivery Centre on 0845 6088 543

For Crisis loans only contact 0800 032 8344

Forms are also available from Direct.Gov website.

Nottingham BDC
Padge Road
Nottingham
NG80 8AT