AQW 14196/22-27

Ms Sian Mulholland
Alliance Party
North Antrim

Tabled Date: 04/07/2024
Answered On Date: 06/08/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities to detail the five most common reasons for the rejection of applications Discretionary Support.

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Regulation 9 (application withdrawn).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