These information sheets have been provided as a guide only and should not be used as substitutes for specialist advice. We try to keep them updated, however, this cannot always be guaranteed.
The Independent Living Fund (ILF) was set up in 1988 to support disabled people who want to live independently. The money is paid directly to you and you can use it to employ a Personal Assistant.
There are two Independent Living Funds in the United Kingdom:
The Independent Living (Extension) Fund was closed to new applicants in 1993 but makes payments to those who had applied before closure.
The Independent Living (1993) Fund was set up after the Independent Living (Extension) Fund was closed and is open to new applicants. The new 1993 Fund is non-contributory which means you do not have to have made national insurance contributions.
Both funds are independent and discretionary Trusts that are managed by a Board of Trustees. They are financed by grants from the DSS, Department of Health and Social Services (Northern Ireland)
ILF money is means tested which means that your income will be taken into account when deciding how much money you receive, if any.
The ILF works in partnership with Social Services paying towards a joint package. The maximum payment under the 1993 fund is £420 per week. The maximum of the extension fund is £715.
Eligibility Criteria
To receive an award from the ILF you must:
Receive services and/or a Direct Payment to the value of £200 net per week- that means after your weekly contribution has been deducted.
Be at least 16 years of age and below 66 years. If you apply before your 66th birthday, the funding can continue after you are 66.
Receive the highest rate of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) care component.
Live in the UK and be able to live in the community for at least the next 6 months, and be at risk of entering residential care if appropriate support is not provided.
Have savings (together with your partner) of under £18500. Savings set aside to pay for equipment or adaptations related to your disability will be ignored.
Have an income that is insufficient to cover the cost of the care needed.
How to claim an award
Application forms are available from Council Social Care Departments or directly from the Fund. Section 1 of the form must be completed by the applicant. Section 2 should be completed by a Social Worker. Both sections have to be completed before your application will be considered.
How an Award is decided
If someone meets all the criteria, the Fund will arrange for an assessment to be made. This visit will be carried out jointly, by one of the Fund's social worker together with your own social worker. They will ask about your needs, current arrangements and financial circumstances. The assessment will be completed when staff at the fund receive the social worker's report.
An award is decided by considering overall care needs plus any income that is available to pay towards the cost of the care.
How payments are made
If an offer of help is made the applicant will be asked to make their own care arrangements and provide details of the people employed and how much they will be paid. Once this information is received payments are made four weekly in arrears to the client's bank account. Regular reviews will be carried out but clients will be expected to tell the fund about:
All changes in the amount of care they need, and/or
Their ability to contribute towards the cost of their care, and
Any other relevant changes that occur.
For further information contact the Independent Living (1993) Fund, PO Box 7525, Nottingham, NG2 4ZT. Telephone 0845 6018815. Website www.ilf.org.uk Email funds@ilf.org.uk
FEDS
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