Money management
Discretionary payment
We know sometimes things happen where additional support is needed. A discretionary payment is a ‘one off’ payment we can make to assist you in addition to our local offer. Any payments will be dependent on assessment being completed and whether we have made previous payments for the same thing, what your circumstances are and your financial situation. We are unlikely to be able to make any urgent payments on the same day due to the banks processing times, but will do our best to respond to urgent situations on the day.
An example when we would pay a discretionary payment could be if:
- your Universal Credit payment has been stopped and this is through no fault of your own
- there is a safeguarding risk that requires financial support to prevent it
In most situations if your benefits have been stopped, we will provide:
- food vouchers
- referrals to a food bank
It’s rare in these circumstances we will pay money directly into your bank.
If you are struggling with managing your money, we do want to support you. Your personal advisor (PA) would have a follow up conversation with you about how we can support you to manage your money and maybe find some additional support.
Learning to manage your finances and pay your bills can be difficult at the start. Your PA is there to help you learn how to manage your money and live on a budget. Over time you can become more financially stable and secure as you progress in your chosen career.
It will always be important for you think about how much money you have and budget accordingly. This is so you do not end up in debt.
Chances for Children (Buttle UK)
Chances for Children (Buttle UK) is a charity that has been set up to support children in need across the UK by offering grant funding. They pay for things that we would want all children and young people to have but their parent or carers cannot otherwise afford.
They have a useful tool on their website that will help you understand what you might be able to apply for. We would recommend that you visit their website, or speak to your PA and you can look together.
Visit the Buttle UK website (external link)Organisations to help you
As adults, we cannot ignore debt and there can be serious consequences if debts are not paid. This can include being evicted from your home for non-payment of rent. Should you start experiencing financial difficulties, there are agencies, including the Citizen’s Advice Bureau who will help you to address your debts and put a budgeting plan together.
Speak to your PA as soon as you start to experience difficulties so they can help you.
Useful contact details
Become charity
- Web: Become charity
- Phone: 0800 023 2033
National debtline
- Web: National debtline
- Phone: 0808 808 4000
Step change
- Web: Step change
- Phone: 0800 138 1111
Christians against poverty
- Web: Christians against poverty
- Phone: 0800 328 0006
There are several other organisations that can support you with your finances. Dependant on your circumstances will depend on what support you can access. Some organisations will be able to support with bursaries to support you with education, employment, family life and more. We have listed just a few in this offer. You can speak to your PA about this too.