Independent Living Fund (ILF)

If you care for someone with a severe disability, and find that your needs are not being fully met you may be eligible for help from the Independent Living Fund.

Independent Living Funds are a national resource dedicated to the financial support of disabled people to enable them to choose to live in the community rather than in residential care.

Independent Living Funds provide a ‘direct payment’ that enables people to purchase care from an agency or pay the wages of a privately employed Personal Assistant (PA).

To receive help all of the following criteria must be met:

Receive at least £200 per week, or equivalent value of services or direct payments from social services
Are under 66 years old
Receive the highest rate care component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
Expect to live in the community for the next six months
Have capital of less than £18,500 (if you live with your partner, this amount includes any capital they may have)

You do not have to receive income support to qualify for an award from the ILF, but your income and your partners if you have one, will be considered in any assessment (any earned income is excluded).

You would be expected to contribute half of your care component of DLA, and income from some other benefits (if applicable) towards care costs.

To find out more about Independent Living Funds, contact your social worker or your local social services department.

Alternatively, contact Independent Living Funds. Telephone: 0845 601 8815 or email:funds@ilf.org.uk visit the ILF website: www.ilf.org or write to:
Independent Living Funds, PO Box 7525 Nottingham, NG2 4ZT