•The social fund provides one-off loans and payments for specific expenses or circumstances.

•Budgeting loans are interest-free loans. Sure Start maternity grants, funeral expenses payments, cold weather payments and winter fuel payments are non-repayable.

•Social fund loans and payments are administered and paid by the DWP. Some are replaced in Scotland by payments made by Social Security Scotland.

•If you disagree with a budgeting loan decision, there is an internal review system and then a further review to the Independent Case Examiner.

•If you disagree with a decision on a Sure Start maternity grant, funeral expenses payment, cold weather payment or winter fuel payment, you can apply for a revision (see Chapter 56), or appeal against it (see Chapter 57). You must apply for a mandatory reconsideration before you can appeal.