AQW 14196/22-27 Written question to the Minister for Communities
To ask the Minister for Communities to detail the five most common reasons for the rejection of applications Discretionary Support.
Asked by Sian Mulholland MLA on 4 July 2024
- Answered
- Written
- After due date
- Tabled
- 4 July 2024
- Answer due by
- 23 July 2024
- Answered
- 6 August 202433 days after tabling
- Department
- Department for Communities
- Priority question
- No
Answer
Discretionary Support applications are governed by the Discretionary Support Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016 which can be accessed via www.legislation.gov.uk/all?title=DISCRETIONARY%20SUPPORT%20REGULATIONS%202016
In respect of claims disallowed due to not meeting the criteria, the most common reasons include;
Regulation 6 (evidence and information in connection with a claim) has not been satisfied.
Regulation 9 (application withdrawn). This is when an applicant chooses not to proceed with their application.
Regulation 21 (2)(f) (in default). This is where a customer has defaulted on a repayment plan of a previous DS loan and therefore cannot be considered for further awards until the default has been cleared.
Regulation 10(3)(c)&(d) (maximum loans and grants paid) (rolling 12 months). Customers cannot be awarded more than three Discretionary Support loans, one grant for living expenses and one grant for household items in a 12-month period, except in the case of a disaster.
Regulation 10 (basic eligibility criteria) has not been satisfied.
Further information relating to this scheme, including eligibility and how to apply, is available on nidirect: www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/finance-support