Guidelines for Carers Small Grant 2016/17

Introduction

The Carers Small Grant (CSG) is open to Hammersmith and Fulham carers. The scheme enables carers to take a break from their usual caring role by contributing to the cost of a break or item that will give carers a break. Carers Network administers the grants on behalf of the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham.

The total amount to be allocated to the schemes will be decided by Carers Network Chief Executive Officer and Board of Trustees at the beginning of each financial year. These funds will be distributed as grants.The funds will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Once the budget for each quarter has been spent, any remaining applications will carry over to the next quarter.This means you may experience a wait of several months between submitting your application and receiving a decision.The quarters are as follows:

  • 1st Quarter: May– June 2016
  • 2nd Quarter: July – September 2016
  • 3rd Quarter: October – December 2016
  • 4th Quarter: January – March 2017

Please read these guidelines carefully before you complete the application form. If you need help understanding them, please contact your support worker.

These guidelines include:

  • Who is eligible for the grant
  • What the grant can be used for
  • How to apply
  • FAQs

Who is eligible?

  • You must provide unpaid care for at least 30 hours per week.
  • You must have had a carer’s assessment completed by Carers Network within the last two years.
  • The person you care for must be living in Hammersmith & Fulham.
  • You have not been awarded a grant from the Westminster Carers Break Scheme (CBS) or Hammersmith & Fulham Carers Small Grant (CSG) in the last two years.

What can you use the grant for?

There is a flat rate of £350 to be awarded either for a holiday or an item. You will not be awarded more than this even if your break costs you more.

a) Going away for a break

If you are going on holiday without the person you care for, you must tell us who will look after them while you are away.

b)Purchasing an item/course/activity that will give you a break from your caring role

You must explain how any item you wish to buy or course you wish to join will help you take a break from your caring role.

You can apply for items/courses such as laptops/gym membership/educational courses/massages or driving lessons to name a few examples. This list is not exhaustive.

This sort of grant is for a leisure related item or course. You cannot use Carers Small Grant to apply for washing machines, fridges, freezers, cookers, clothes, debts or home improvements.

How to Apply

Your Carer Support Worker can help you complete the form and will submit it on your behalf.

  • Please complete all sections to avoid any delay
  • The form must be signed and dated by you and accompanied by a recent Carers Assessment (also signed and dated by you) which must have been completed within the last 2 years.
  • Please make sure your bank details are correct. If they are incorrect, this will delay payment if your application is successful.

The grant must be used, and receipts for the item or holiday detailed in your application form must be returned to Carers Network within 12 months. If you do not return your receipts within 12 months you may forfeit your right to reapply.

FAQs

  1. How does it work?

Once you complete your application form, it will be checked by your Carer Support Worker at Carers Network. If the eligibility criteria are met, they will sign it off and the application is then passed to our Administrator to process.

Applicationsare processed on a first come, first served basis at the end of each month. Once the budget for the quarter has been used up, applications that have not yet been processed will be carried over to the next quarter.

Payments are then authorised by Carers Network, and applicants are notified by post whether they have been successful or not.

  1. I want to go on holiday next month, can you process my application by then?

We cannot guarantee to process your application by a certain date. Please do not book ahead before you receive a decision from us.

  1. Can I apply for a holiday or an item I’ve already paid for/been on?

You may not use the grant to pay for a holiday you have already been on or an item you have bought before you receive the grant. All receipts must be dated after the decision has been made, and for this reason we advise not to book holidays or buy an item before you receive a decision from us.

Please note: If you choose to make a deposit/down payment towards your holiday before you have been notified whether or not you have been awarded a grant from us, you do so at your own risk. There is no guarantee that you will be granted any award. We will not be responsible for any outstanding balances if your application is refused. You are welcome to apply but by doing so, you accept that Carers Network is under no obligation to automatically award you any grant. We will not be responsible for any loss of money, holidays or deposits, nor will we be liable for any outstanding balances in the event that your application is unsuccessful.

  1. When will I know the decision of my application?

You will receive a letter after the next decision date (usually at the beginning of the next month) telling you whether or not your application has been successful. If the quarterly budget runs out and your application is to be carried over to the next quarter, you will receive a letter informing you of this.

  1. I’ve received a letter saying the quarterly budget has been exhausted, what does this mean?

It means that the funds for this quarter (3 months) have run out, but your application is still in line and will be considered next quarter (please see dates below). If we have a very high number of applications, your application may be carried over more than one quarter.

  1. How will I receive the grant if I am successful?

If your application is successful, the grant will be paid directly into your account by bank transfer.

  • The bank account must be in your name
  • You must have a valid bank account that does not have an overdraft
  • We cannot make transfers to Post Office accounts

In exceptional circumstances you may request payment by cheque. The cheque may either be in your name, or the name of a travel agent / retailer. If you wish to receive a cheque instead of a bank transfer, please discuss this with your Carer Support Worker. Cheques take 2 weeks to process and send out.A cheque must be used within 6 months, or it will expire and will not be replaced.

  1. What if I can’t use the money within 12 months?

If, due to exceptional circumstances, you have not been able to use the grant within the 12 months after you receive it, you may be able to extend the period of use. Please write to us before the 12 months have passed, explaining why you have not been able to use the grant, and the manager in charge of carer grants will make a decision based on the information you provide. The standard extension period is up to 6 months.

  1. I’ve paid for my break, what do I do now?

You must return your receipts within 12 months,and understand that failure to do so may mean you forfeit your right to reapply. You will receive a Record of Spend form with the letter confirming your grant. Please complete this form and attach all receipts. The receipts must cover the total amount of the grant.

  1. The person I’m caring for died recently. Can I still apply?

If the person you care for has died, you will be able to apply for a Carers Small Grant for 6 months from the date of their death. Applications will only be accepted for a holiday/weekend away and notfor items or courses.

  1. What happens if my application is unsuccessful?

If your application is unsuccessful, the reasons will be set out in your notification letter. If you want more information, please contact Carers Network.

  1. I don’t agree with the reason my application was unsuccessful. What can I do?

You have the right to appeal against the decision. This must be done within one month of the decision not to award you a grant. Please talk to us if you need to arrange an interpreter or need any help to appeal.

All appeal decisions are made by an appeal panel consisting of the Chief Executive Officer, a carer and a Trustee. Staff are not able to affect this decision. You may appeal only once so please make sure you include all relevant information. It will help if you provide as much additional information as you can.

The appeal panel will consider all appeals and notify you of the result in writing. You have the right to ONE appeal. If you lose the appeal, you cannot re-apply for a grant for one whole calendar year.

  1. I would like to make a complaint.

Carers Network has a complaints policy and procedure. We hope you will not have any reason to complain, but if you do, please write to the Chief Executive of Carers Network.

  1. Application Deadlines and Decision Dates 2015-2016

Quarter / Months / Application Deadlines / Decisions
Decisions will be made in the last week of the month, and applicants will be notified by post after the decision has been made.
1st Quarter 2016 / April
May
June / NA
Friday 27th
Friday 24th
2nd Quarter 2016 / July
August
September / Friday 22nd
Friday 26th
Friday 23rd
3rd Quarter 2016 / October
November
December / Friday 21st
Friday 25th
Friday 30th
4th Quarter 2017 / January
February
March / Friday 27th
Friday 24th
Friday 24th
  1. Feedback

After any break/purchase of any items, you must agree to provide us with feedback for our monitoring and evaluation purposes.