1. Introduction
This chapter covers the statutory grants that are available to cover specific costs. You are legally entitled to a payment if you are eligible for one. If you disagree with a decision, you can challenge it – with the right of appeal to an independent tribunal (see Chapters
59 and
60). Payments made in England, Northern Ireland and Wales are all part of the
‘social fund’, as are budgeting loans (see
Chapter 33(3)).