The Social Fund is a government fund that makes payments to people in need. These include Maternity Grants and Funeral Payments. Funeral Payments can cover certain funeral expenses, including transport, burial or cremation fees.

You can also apply for a Community Care Grant or Budgeting Loan to cover a range of other needs, including clothing, household items and travel expenses.

The Social Fund also includes cold weather payments, which are paid automatically when the temperature drops below 0° Celsius for seven days in a row.

For most Social Fund payments, you need to be receiving certain benefits when you apply for the payment. These benefits include Income Support, income related Employment and support Allowance, Pension Credit, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance and, in some cases, tax credits.

However, you do not need to be claiming benefits to be eligible for a Winter Fuel payment or a Crisis Loan. The Winter Fuel payment is a one-off payment to people aged 60 or over, who are of Pension Credit age to help with the cost of heating. A Crisis Loan can help with expenses arising from an emergency or disaster, eg loss of money, homelessness, fire or flood.

How can I apply?

The Social Fund is run by the Social Security Agency (SSA). To apply for a loan or grant, contact your local Social Security office or Jobs and Benefits office or see www.dsdni.gov.uk.

There are other grants available from a range of sources, including occupational funds and utility companies (gas, electricity and water companies). For more information contact our Cancer support specialists on 0808 808 00 00.