Independent Review Service  for the Social Fund   Self Instruction Packages    Homepage   Training and Support   Publications and   Leaflets     Self Instruction Packages The IRS Self Instruction Packs are designed for individuals to work through on their own, at their own pace. They are presented in units covering particular topics. Each unit provides information and examples, with a question section at the end to aid self-assessment. Changes to Direction 7: With effect from 1 September 2008, direction 7 refers to applications made within 28 days of a previous application for the same expense. Employment and Support Allowance: This benefit was introduced from 27 October 2008. Where income-related Employment and Support Allowance is in payment, it is a qualifying benefit for community care grants and budgeting loans, along with Income Support, income based Job Seekers Allowance and Pension Credit. The changes will be assimilated into the Self Instruction Packs as part of a general review of the material currently underway. Meanwhile, please bear the changes in mind when reading the relevant parts of the packs. The packs can be used by anyone with an interest in learning more about the Social Fund law and practice, such as welfare rights advisers, decision makers and front-line staff in Jobcentre Plus and staff in The Pension Service. Click here to be taken to the list of Self Instruction Packages available to download. Self Instruction Packs are a learning tool and are not intended to be a full statement of the law. They do not contain the full text of the directions and guidance. They are available to download by clicking the links in the below, or can be provided in hard copy. The Social Fund - A Basic Overview This is a general guide to the Social Fund, covering the key features. Crisis Loans Budgeting Loans Community Care Grants These packs are more detailed and technical. They are designed to provide a thorough working knowledge of community care grants, crisis loans. (From 3 April 2006 budgeting loans are worked out in a new way. As a result, there is no longer a Self Instruction Pack for budgeting loans. A brief summary of the changes is available if you click on the download below.) They are intended for use by Jobcentre Plus staff with responsibility for the Social Fund and by organisations that advise or assist applicants. Evidence in the Social Fund Context This pack is intended to provide the user with a thorough, but not overly technical, guide to the handling of evidence in the context of Social Fund applications. The Social Fund for Jobcentre Plus Staff The Social Fund for Pension Service Staff These packs are intended for staff in The Pension Service and for staff in Jobcentre Plus who are not involved in Social Fund decision making. The Packs are not technical, but are designed to provide staff with enough expertise to be able to provide their customers with sound advice and assistance. They give an overview of the conditions for payments and advice about the information customers should give to support their applications Decision Making and Reviews This is a 'how-to' guide to making and reviewing decisions. It focuses on the processes by which decisions are made rather than the technical aspects of the various types of Social Fund payments. It is primarily aimed at Decision Makers and Reviewing Officers in Jobcentre Plus, but might also be useful to other Social Fund practitioners and to advisers. Other Self Instruction Packs are in development. If you would like more information, have any suggestions or would like to order copies of any of the Packs, please contact Martin Keeves By Phone 0121 606 2191 or, by eMail: Martin.Keeves@irs-review.org.uk When you have used the Packs, we would be grateful for your comments. At the back of the pack there is an evaluation form to enter your comments and return to us in your prefered method. These packs are available to download in Adobe PDF format. Please click on the link to open the publication in its own window. If you do not have Adobe PDF reader, it is available to download for free. Please click on the link at the bottom of the page to be taken to the Adobe website. Date Title Summary 2010 IRS Self Instruction Pack - The Social Fund 'A Basic Overview' irssipbasic.pdf (255Kb) A general guide to the Social Fund, covering the key features of the scheme. 2003 IRS Self Instruction Pack - Community Care Grants irssipccg.pdf (1.2Mb) A technical pack providing a thorough working guide to community care grants. Specifically designed for Jobcentre Plus staff with responsibility for the social fund and organisations that advise or assist applicants. 2004 IRS Self Instruction Pack - Crisis Loans irssipcl.pdf (1.0Mb) A technical pack providing a thorough working guide to crisis loans. Specifically designed for Jobcentre Plus staff with responsibility for the social fund and organisations that advise or assist applicants. 2006 Budgeting Loans - - A Quick Guide to the New Rules irsblleaflet.pdf (245Kb) From 3 April 2006 budgeting loans are worked out in a new way. As a result, there is no longer a Self Instruction Pack for budgeting loans. A brief summary of the changes is available if you click on the download to the left. 2005 IRS Self Instruction Pack - Evidence in the Social Fund Context irssipevi.pdf (500Kb) This is intended to provide the user with a thorough, but not overly technical, guide to competent handling of evidence in the context of Social Fund applications. 2004 IRS Self Instruction Pack - The Social Fund for Jobcentre Plus staff irssipjcp.pdf (700Kb) This pack is designed for staff in Jobcentre Plus offices who may be required to advise and assist customers, but who are not involved in Social Fund decision-making. It gives an overview of the conditions for payments and advice about the information customers should give to support their applications. 2004 IRS Self Instruction Pack - The Social Fund for Pension Service staff irssipps.pdf (800Kb) This pack is designed for staff in The Pension Service who may be required to advise and assist customers. It gives an overview of the conditions for payments and advice about the information customers should give to support their applications. 2005 IRS Self Instruction Pack - Decision Making and Reviewers. irssipdmr.pdf (1.4Mb) This is a 'how-to' guide to making and reviewing decisions. It focuses on the processes by which decisions are made rather than the technical aspects of the various types of Social Fund payments. It is primarily aimed at Decision Makers and Reviewing Officers in Jobcentre Plus, but might also be useful to other Social Fund practitioners and to advisers. 2007 IRS Self Instruction Pack - Decision Making: The Inquistorial Role. irssipdmi.pdf (824Kb) This pack is designed to help decision makers understand their role in gathering evidence, with pointers about when additional information is necessary and how best to go about collecting it. PDF files can be downloaded and viewed by using Adobe Acrobat Reader. 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