Scottish Welfare Fund - new guidance from 01.04.2014

I’ve just noticed there is new (version 3) SWF guidance at

http://scotland.gov.uk/Topics/People/welfarereform/scottishwelfarefund/scottishwelfarefuindguidance

I’ve not had a chance to go through it all but there is a new (helpful!) section on sanctions (copied below)

Sanctions and Disallowances
6.9   Applicants subject to a disallowance or a sanction by DWP can apply for help from the Scottish Welfare Fund, that is for Crisis Grants and Community Care Grants, in the same way as any other applicant. 

Local Authorities should consider eligibility and prioritisation in the normal way, as set out in the decision making process at section 7 of this guidance.  The reason for the sanction or the way it has been applied should not be taken in to consideration in assessing the application.

Sanctions and Crisis Grants

Scottish Welfare Fund Grants are intended to meet one-off needs and cannot provide an alternative source of regular income for those subject to DWP sanctions or disallowances.  The exclusion at para 6.12 relating to three Crisis Grant awards in a 12 month rolling period applies as normal.  Applicants should be encouraged to engage with DWP to find a sustainable longer term solution, for example appealing the sanction, applying for a hardship payment or meeting the requirements attached to the sanction.