I have a client who has been refused a Crisis Loan because he has not yet had his Personal Interview for JSA claim. The interview is not for another 8 days. Social Fund Decision Maker has said they are applying Reg.22 re: claimants ability to re pay. Any one else had this happen?

The question is whether likely to be able to repay, not certainty that they can. At a previous authority we had problems with CLs being refused when a benefit claim had not been decided on - eventually a colleague took a case to inspectors where it was held that they were applying Direction 22 wrongly. This seemed to solve the problem with that office.

Commissioners guidance to Inspectors on Direction 22 is at
http://www.irs-review.org.uk/infocent/commad/ab2pay/ab2pay.htm

We see quite a few reports of this approach by SFOs but it is rarely likely to be justified. Can you get the client to seek a review and, if necessary, an IRS review? The IRS is geared up to turn crisis loan reviews around very quickly - but I wouldn't be so optimistic about your local SF office.