How much to award
An ELF grant may be for a single item or expense or a number of items and expenses added together.
Decision makers should bear in mind that the scheme is cash limited. Paying more than the applicants needs would mean there is less funding for other high priority applications. The ELF grant's budgetary position may vary throughout the financial year. Decision makers must control and manage the ELF budget so that high priority needs are met first throughout the whole of the year and the allocation is not exhausted before year end.
Therefore irrelevant of what the applicant requests the decision maker is advised to:
- use, as appropriate, the agreed suppliers for the provision of certain items and the price level set by them for the provision
- if not using the prescribed suppliers, use national high street chain retailers and/or national catalogue outlets that are available locally to determine the amount to be awarded when awarding for furniture and household equipment, clothing and footwear
- with regard to travel costs use a reputable travel cost website to determine the best cost option
- make the best use of the ELF grant funding by awarding the lowest prices where that will still meet the applicants needs
- for help with a General Living Award this would normally be calculated based on 2 weeks need. Note: This is at the discretion of the decision maker to award on top of help with re-settlement
The decision maker should of course consider if a smaller payment than the maximum will meet the immediate need so as to prevent serious risk to the health, safety or well being of the applicant or a member of their family.