MS, Cabinet Secretary for Social
Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip: The Discretionary Assistance
Fund (DAF) is continuously monitored and reviewed to ensure that
it is delivering to those most in need. From 1st July
2025, some amendments to DAF eligibility criteria have been
made.
Recognising that people fleeing domestic abuse quite often leave
with nothing but the clothes on their back, a person who is
fleeing domestic abuse and applying for the first time for an
Emergency Assistance Payment (EAP) can now receive and enhanced
payment of £111 when supported by an Approved Partner.
Additionally, an Individual Assistance Payment (IAP) application
for a person fleeing domestic abuse is no longer restricted only
to those in receipt of a means tested benefit.
The criteria to receive “exceptional items” has been widened to
include people who are in receipt of Attendance Allowance. The
exceptional items are a grant support for flooring and a heated
air dryer; these items must be applied for through an Approved
Partner. Our previous criteria excluded older people who started
to receive Attendance Allowance after pension age. The updated
eligibility for applicants for the exceptional items are that
they should be receiving either Attendance Allowance, Enhanced
rate mobility PIP or Disability Living Allowance, they also need
to have a medical need that directly links to the exceptional
item they are requesting.
An option for a BACS payment in place of a mobile phone voucher
will now be available for payments under £100. I hope this change
will support people who feel excluded from getting support
through the DAF because they would find it difficult to use a
voucher. I hope this change will also encourage people who are
eligible for support but have been put off applying due to not
owning a mobile phone.
These changes will open the DAF to a wider cohort of
people, providing additional support to people experiencing
financial difficulties.
