Can I find out why my application was unsuccesful

We regret that the Trust cannot disclose to applicants why applications are unsuccessful.

However, the following may give you some guidance on why we are unable to help everyone.

The Trust Fund does not have enough money to help everyone who applies with everything they ask for.

Each week, the Trust gets asked for much more money than it has available.

This means that we cannot help everyone and Trust staff have to make very difficult decisions about who they can help.

The Trust needs to be sure how the debts came about

Where applicants are looking for help with water/sewerage charges, the Trust will always look for a full explanation of how the arrears have arisen.

Sometimes applicants do not fully explain how the arrears have come about. It is difficult for the Trust to consider making a payment if it cannot see how the arrears have arisen.

Similarly, if applying for a grant to clear rent, gas or electricity arrears, the Trust will need to understand how and why the arrears have built up.

The Trust wants to try to make a long-term difference.

Sometimes the application shows that applicants have considerably more money going out than they have coming in.

In such cases, the Trust is unlikely to make a payment since it looks likely that the applicant will get into difficulties again with the same bills.

In cases like these, the Trust will usually suggest that an applicant gets money advice from an agency like a Citizens Advice Bureau to help them sort out their finances.

Once the financial situation is more stable, we would encourage people to apply again to the Fund for help after six months if they have not received any award.