DAF Fund: Everything about the Discretionary Assistance Fund

by
Discretionary Assistance Fund

During times of financial crisis families and individuals in Wales turn to DAF (Discretionary Assistance Fund) for emergency financial support. 

The DAF is designed to help people and families with low income and surviving on extra financial support at the times of crisis. This fund is made available to people of Wales and is completely discretionary. The grant money need not be paid back however when applying you will have to provide detailed reasons as to why you should be given the funds.

In this article we will learn in detail about the Discretionary Assistance Fund and everything associated with it. 

How does the Discretionary Assistance Fund work?

The Discretionary Assistance Fund offers assistance in two forms: 

 

  • EAP (Emergency Assistance Payment)
  • IAP (Individual Assistance Payment)

Emergency Assistance Payment (EAP)

This fund is designed to offer immediate financial help to eligible individuals stuck in emergency situations or facing some crisis. This payment helps the people meet their essential requirements during financial hardships.

Whether it is some unforeseen expense, sudden loss of income, a disaster the EAP helps in swift assistance in times of urgency.

Individual Assistance Payment (IAP)

IAP is made with the intention of offering financial support to individuals who need aid to survive independently in community. This helps the people cover essential living cost and maintain a basic standard of living.

This payment can help with the expenses of clothing, food, heating and necessary bills to live a basic life.

Eligibility Criteria for DAF:

To check the eligibility it is of utmost priority to understand the criteria set for both IAP and EAP.

Emergency Assistance Payment (EAP)

You must fulfil the following criterias to be eligible for EAP

  • You must be going through extreme financial crisis like unemployment, lack of funds to buy basic items like gas, food, electricity or awaiting benefit payments.
  • You must be in a crisis requiring immediate financial aid.
  • You must be a resident and currently living in wales.
  • You must be 16 years or older in age.
  • You should not have access to any other source of finance

Individual Assistance Payment (IAP)

The IAP requires specific eligibility criteria for specific items. In case you are applying for cooker, fridge, washing machine through approved partner then  you should meet the following eligibility criteria

  • You must believing in wales
  • You must be 16 or older in age
  • You should not have any other income source and must have exhausted all your savings and funding options
  • You should not be currently residing in a care home or in prison
  • You should not be a member ofreligious order
  • And you must be receiving atleast one of these benefits:
  1. Income Support
  2. Pension Credit – Guaranteed Credit element
  3. Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  4. Universal Credit
  5. Income for Employment and Support Allowance

By going through these eligibility criteria you can estimate your eligibility to apply for DAF.

How do I apply for a payment from the DAF?

The best way to apply for DAF is through an online portal.here.

To apply by post

Discretionary Assistance Fund, PO Box 2377, Wrexham, LL11 0LG

To apply over phone call 

0800 859 5924

 

You will be required to fill in all the personal details like why your situation needs immediate financial help.

Before filling in the application note that you will not be able to apply if you have received one grant within the last week or at least three grants in a year. 

Read More: