I have just been informed by Social Fund that they are unable to award Crisis Loans where the applicant is not in receipt of a benefit from which the loan can be repaid. Effectively this rules out anyone not claiming benefit - it was my understanding that anyone could apply for a Crisis Loan regardless of income base. Are Social Fund correct? They also informed me that the Social Fund Officer does not assess a claim by checking the information given and only rely on the verbal testimony given by the applicant - so if an error has been made by the applicant, they are likely to be turned down by Social Fund. All information appreciated!
|