Difficult to assess applicants for residency

[Anonymous]

We are finding that applicants are increasingly in their 50s rather than 60s+, are working in some capacity and have more complex financial situations such as claiming UC, PIP etc, and may have debilitating medical conditions although capable of living independently. Mostly they are stuck in that hinterland of having some savings and earning some income but can’t afford rents so are sofa surfing with family or friends. If trying to assess several similar applicants, this is not easy! Can anyone share their assessment approach that might help?

[Tina Collins]

Stick as rigidly to your scheme provisions as possible, speak to them to find out their current position, then visit them to assess for yourself their ability to live independently. Some applicants will emphasise certain elements to get onto your waiting list, that in reality may not be as severe as they may sound.

[emmapannell]

Hello. Much of this will depend on whether your charitable objectives allow people of any age. Some do, some don’t. But if there are no restrictions, like us, then you can choose your criteria. We base ours on whether someone is in receipt of Housing Benefit (if over retirement age) or Universal Credit (if of working age).

We ask for 3 months of bank statements and extra financial evidence as required, as part of our application process too, but the benefits situation means that a government agency has also already done those financial checks too.

We try to meet the person in their current home, or ask them to come in, and will check as far as we can about medical situation for independent living confirmation.

If someone is sofa-surfing, they may not be claiming any benefits, or know what they are entitled to claim, so you could carry out an indicative check by going to http://www.entitledto.co.uk and plug in the figures.

Not always easy to put in a priority order, and I’m sure some people have used grids for this type of situation before, so maybe someone can share that with you.

• This reply was modified 1 month, 2 weeks ago by emmapannell.

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