Independent Living Funds

The Independent Living 1993 Fund is a Trust Fund set up and financed by central government. Its aims is to support long term, independent living for severely disabled people, by helping them to live at home instead of in residential care.

Independent Living links

How does the fund work?

Who can apply?

How can I apply?

How does the fund work?

The fund works closely with Local Authorities Social Services Departments, helping to pay towards large community care packages, i.e. those costing more than £200 a week. The fund's contribution takes the form of regular payments made directly to the person who is disabled.

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Who can apply?

To get help you must meet ALL the following requirements:

• Receive at least £200 a week, or equivalent value, of services which can include direct payments from your Social Services Department.
• Be at least 16 and under 66 years old (if you apply before your 66th birthday you can continue to receive funds for as long as you need to, there is only an upper age limit on applying for the fund).
• Received the highest rate care component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• Have capital of less than £18500 (excluding the property you live in). This amount includes any capital your partner may have. This amount changes each year and should be checked prior to application.

The fund can pay up to a maximum of £395 per week on top of Social Service input and your assessed contribution ( subject to the combined SSD and ILF input not exceeding £645 pw). This amount changes each year and should be checked prior to application

You do not have to receive Income Support to qualify for an award from Fund, but your income, (and that of your partner if you have one), will be considered in any assessment.

Independent Living Fund (ILF) generally expect people to contribute half of their care component of DLA towards their care.

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How can I apply?

All disabled people who meet the criteria above and who receive at least £200 of care a week are encouraged and supported to increase the funding available for their care through an ILF application. You can contact the Independent Living (1993) Fund direct on:

PO Box 7525
Nottingham
NG2 4ZT
Tel : 0845 601 8815
Fax : 0115 945 0945
e-mail: funds@ilf.org.uk
website: www.ilf.org.uk

Before you apply, please ensure that you meet the Fund's eligibility criteria by visiting the Independent Living Fund website for further details.

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