Community Care Grants

If you need financial help to live independently in the community or to ease exceptional pressure on you and your family you may be able to get a Community Care Grant. You don't have to pay it back.

Who is eligible?

You can apply for a Community Care Grant if you are either:

• already getting Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Pension Credit or payment on account for one of these benefits
• likely to start getting one of these benefits within the next six weeks because you're moving out of care

And any one of the following applies:

• you're moving out of residential care to live independently
• you're moving to new home which will be more suitable for you following an unsettled period in your life and are being resettled by an organisation like a council or voluntary organisation
• you need help to stay in your home and not go into residential care or hospital
• you need help because you or your family face exceptional pressure, such as family breakdown or because one of you has a long-term illness
• you look after someone who is ill or disabled, or has been released from custody on a temporary licence
• you need help with expenses such as visiting someone who is ill, or to attend a relative's funeral

How much do you get?

The amount you might get depends on your circumstances and what savings you have.

How it's paid

The grant is usually paid into your bank, building society or Post Office Account.

To apply, get an application form from your Jobcentre

Back to Money Matters