SBS is campaigning for all women with no recourse to public funds to have access to public funds. This includes extending the Destitution Domestic Violence Concessions [DDVC], currently only available to those experiencing domestic violence on spousal visas so that the period for which public funds are available is extended from 3 to 6 months while they apply to remain in the UK indefinitely under the Domestic Violence Rule (DVR) and to extend the DDVC and DVR to all women facing gender-based violence and to those on non-spousal visas.
Until we achieve this campaign aim, the SBS NRF continues to provide a vital safety net for those not entitled to public funds. Any donations to SBS for this service are welcome.
The SBS NRF aims to enable women and their children in the UK to enter a refuge or safe accommodation to escape domestic and sexual violence, including prostitution and trafficking and harmful practices such as forced marriage and so called ‘honour’ based violence.
The SBS NRF is subject to the following conditions (also see the more detailed guidance notes):
-
The NRF is open to women facing gender-based violence with no recourse to public funds in the UK, but is subject to sufficient funds being available.
-
It contributes to rent and subsistence for a limited time and may pay only part of your rental and living costs. Women without dependent children can be paid for a maximum of 16 weeks and those with children or other vulnerabilities up to 2 weeks while they apply for help from social services. The maximum rent payable is £240 per week and subsistence is £50 per week for women and £10 per week for each child.
-
It is a ‘last resort’ fund which means that all other entitlements to cover rent and subsistence must be pursued, including where relevant, the DDVC and social services support.
-
Only non-statutory organisations can apply and payments will be made in arrears. These organisations need to pay the rent and subsistence costs for or to the applicant, which is then refunded by the SBS NRF.
-
All organisations must return proof of expenditure and monitoring outcome surveys before refunds are released.
-
Applicants and organisations may be requested to participate in a follow up interview.
The SBS NRF is part of the holistic services we provide which is funded from a range of sources.