If you are in an extreme or exceptional situation or in a crisis which puts your or your immediate family’s health, safety or well-being at significant risk, you can apply for a loan or grant from ‘Discretionary Support’. Your annual income must be below a set threshold, equal to working 45 hours a week at the national living wage.

A loan may be given if it is to help with short-term living expenses (eg to buy food), to replace or repair basic household items, to pay for travelling expenses in certain circumstances, or for rent in advance to a landlord (other than the Northern Ireland Housing Executive). Only three loans may be awarded in a rolling 12-month period and the total debt cannot exceed £1,500.

A grant may be given if it is to help you, or your immediate family, to remain or begin living independently in the community. A grant can also be given (once in a rolling 12 month-period) if it is to cover living expenses where your total deb