Discretionary Assistance Fund Wales - What is the Discretionary Assistance Fund?

The Discretionary Assistance Fund gives grants to people who live in Wales. It gives grants to people who:

• Need help to live independently in the community; or
• Have experienced an emergency, a crisis, or a disaster.

Grants do not need to be paid back. 

There are two types of assistance available from the fund:

• The Individual Assistance Payment, which helps vulnerable people live independently in the community, and
• The Emergency Assistance Payment, which helps people who are in financial need because they have experienced an emergency, a crisis or a disaster.

There is no set amount that you will receive from the fund. The amount you get, if you are successful, will depend on your circumstances. Generally, you will get a BACS payment or PayPoint voucher for essentials such as food, electricity and gas. 

Applies to: Wales

Age rules: You must be aged 16 or over

Type of benefit: Means tested

Taxable: No