Kent Support and Assistance Service (KSAS) Mel Anthony

Kent Support and Assistance Service (KSAS) Mel Anthony Tony Care Kent Support and Assistance Service Our Purpose KSAS is a discretionary local welfare service provided by Kent County Council (KCC). We offer crisis support and assistance to residents within KCCs boundaries to help alleviate an applicants hardship or prevent a further crisis. Advice and signposting to local services or organisations that can help the immediate crisis and find longer term solutions is a standard part of the offer. Kent Support and Assistance Service Who is eligible? Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

Aged 16 or over; Living within KCCs boundaries or placed outside of Kent with the duty of care remaining with a Kent local authority; Claiming a means tested benefit or working and in receipt of a low income (below 16,200). In addition, one or more of the following circumstances must apply: An emergency crisis has put the person and household at risk; The person will be setting up home after living in supported housing, an institution, or in a care setting; The person or household needs help to stay in their own accommodation

rather than going into supported housing, an institution, or a care setting. When things go wrong KSAS forms an important part of Kents civil emergency plans Kent Support and Assistance Service What we will provide All applicants will receive signposting to advice and guidance. Specialist Assessment Officers verify identity, confirm eligibility and assess the circumstances presented to determine the assistance that can be provided. If eligible, KSAS may provide: Kent Support and Assistance Service What we cannot help with Support will not be awarded for the following goods and services: Housing costs, such as repairs and improvements, rent and deposits, or other fees for accommodation Running costs of any motor vehicle

Distinctive or branded school uniforms and sports clothes or equipment Council tax, utility costs (i.e. telephone, water and sewerage) Medical, surgical, optical, aural or dental services Pet costs (e.g. vet invoices and food) Kent Support and Assistance Service How to apply www.kent.gov.uk/ksas The home page for KSAS. Applicants are given a host of information prior to applying including Other sources of help Eligibility including example scenarios Details of the offer How to apply The quickest and easiest way to apply is online. An average of 84% applications are made this way.

Applicants should have ready their National Insurance Number, details of anyone else in the household and any household income, including benefits before they apply. Kent Support and Assistance Service Applying online Kent Support and Assistance Service 2017/18: Useful statistics Analysis of Applications Analysis of Applicant Households 3% 23.76% 36.63% 15%

39% Energy 4% Household Items 2.97% 39% Clothing 36.63%

Food 7,504 applications received Awarded (45%) / Declined (55%) Food and Household Items each represent 37% of applications. However, Household Items equate to 45% of total spend. Average monthly spend on awards was 40.3k *Some applicants receive more than one award e.g. food and energy 0% 5% 10% 15%

20% Single applicant Single parent Living with non dependant 25% 30% 35% 40% Couple without children Couple with children 54% of applicant households contain children.

39% of households are single applicants. 45% Kent Support and Assistance Service Challenges and Trends Food, energy and clothing applications are affected at key times: School holidays - start with a dip in applications and rise before school resumes with the impact of finding school uniform costs and non renewal of Child Tax Credits. Christmas - applications decline late December followed by a sharp increase in January Weather changes Autumn and Winter equals increases in energy support. Mild weather is the reverse. Weather extremes also affect applications. The main challenge faced this year has been the Universal Credit rollout across Kent. Looking forward to 2020, we anticipate the migration of legacy benefits will impact on the service. Kent Support and Assistance Service Value for Money

Case study - Mr EP KSAS Support 82-year-old man. In convalescence home following hospitalisation; Suitable permanent property secured; Could not move into the property as no essential items. KSAS Support Application assessed within 24hrs. Bed, bedding and fridge provided 225. Cost Avoided Convalescence home bed.

Blocked hospital bed. Costs Avoided Hospital bed blocked - 400 per day in 2017* Bed, bedding and fridge provided - 225 Convalescence home bed 702 per week** *https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/stay-hospital-bed-uk-costs-400-per-daywe-sure-bryce-travers ** Laing Buisson Care of Older People UK Market Report 28 th Edition, 2017

Kent Support and Assistance Service Any questions? www.kent.gov.uk/ksas [email protected] [email protected]