Jane Hutt MS, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip
The Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF) is continuously monitored and reviewed to ensure that it is delivering to those most in need. From 1st July 2025, some amendments to DAF eligibility criteria have been made.
Recognising that people fleeing domestic abuse quite often leave with nothing but the clothes on their back, a person who is fleeing domestic abuse and applying for the first time for an Emergency Assistance Payment (EAP) can now receive and enhanced payment of £111 when supported by an Approved Partner. Additionally, an Individual Assistance Payment (IAP) application for a person fleeing domestic abuse is no longer restricted only to those in receipt of a means tested benefit.
The criteria to receive “exceptional items” has been widened to include people who are in receipt of Attendance Allowance. The exceptional items are a grant support for flooring and a heated air dryer; these items must be applied for through an Approved Partner. Our previous criteria excluded older people who started to receive Attendance Allowance after pension age. The updated eligibility for applicants for the exceptional items are that they should be receiving either Attendance Allowance, Enhanced rate mobility PIP or Disability Living Allowance, they also need to have a medical need that directly links to the exceptional item they are requesting.
An option for a BACS payment in place of a mobile phone voucher will now be available for payments under £100. I hope this change will support people who feel excluded from getting support through the DAF because they would find it difficult to use a voucher. I hope this change will also encourage people who are eligible for support but have been put off applying due to not owning a mobile phone.
These changes will open the DAF to a wider cohort of people, providing additional support to people experiencing financial difficulties.