In this guide
1. Summary
The Discretionary Assistance Fund provides 2 types of grants that you do not need to pay back.
Emergency Assistance Payment (EAP)
A grant to help pay for essential costs, such as food, gas, electricity, heating oil or emergency travel if you:
- are experiencing extreme financial hardship
- have lost your job
- have applied for benefits and are waiting for your first payment
You cannot use it to pay for ongoing bills that you cannot afford to pay.
You can only apply for heating oil through an approved partner.
Individual Assistance Payment (IAP)
A grant to help you or someone you care for live independently in their home or a property that you or they are moving into.
What you can use the grant for
The grant can provide/supply:
- a fridge or washing machine and other ‘white goods’
- home furniture such as beds, sofas and chairs