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1. Summary

Changes to Emergency Assistance Payments (EAP)

From 1 April 2023 all applicants will be eligible for 3 payments in a 12-month rolling period. (This will include all EAP awards previously received within the past 12 months).

These 3 payments will be at a higher value with an 11% inflationary increase given to all EAP awards. The 28-day gap between application dates will reduce to 7 days for all applicants.

These changes are to allow for short and successive use of the fund in a time of crisis or emergency.

  • Any household awarded with 1 person will receive a payment of £56 by PAYPOINT.
  • Any household awarded with 2 persons will receive a payment of £67 by PAYPOINT.
  • Any household awarded with 3 or more persons will receive a payment of £111 by BACS.

The Discretionary Assistance Fund provides 2 types of grant 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, clothing 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.

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

Use the grant to pay for:

  • a fridge, cooker or washing machine and other ‘white goods’
  • home furniture such as beds, sofas and chairs