Welfare Assessment

1. When assessing for a welfare award all the relevant information which is supporting the application should be considered. These may include but are not limited to:
   • OT Housing Assessment
   • Letters from mental health workers
   • Educations Assessments
   • Health Workers/social services assessments
   • Information from housing providersWhen considering whether to award a welfare award the following criteria should be consideredHas the circumstances of the case already been assessed as part of their existing banding including medical/overcrowding/environmental award.
2. The following areas should be considered when assessing any information

• How is the circumstances unusual and not cover within current banding system?
• How does the current housing situation have an adverse effect on the client?
• Is there anything the client can do to improve the situation?
• Is there anything a statutory body (social services/Local authority/NHS) can do to improve the current housing so the client can remain where they are?
• Is the property a Housing Association property and if so are they aware of any problems?
• Can there be any support put in place to assist the application to remain in their current home?
• How will moving improve the situation?
• Other considerations should be also take into account:
  • The age of the person
  • Is the situation specifically related to their age such as bullying?
  • Is there any supporting evidence?
  • The condition and layout of the current property.

When assessing the property it is important that you take into account if the person can access all the facilities of the property such as bathing, cooking, washing, access into and out of the property. (It may be necessary to request an OT report to assist with this)It should also be noted the location of the property (how close to transport links, shops, school etc)It should be noted that an applicant who does not qualify for a Welfare award may be awards a medical award