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Discretionary Social Fund

My honourable friend the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Helen Goodman) has made the following Written Ministerial Statement. The Secretary of State will be making changes to the discretionary Social Fund, with effect from 30 October 2009. The change introduces the requirement for most customers to be interviewed at a local Jobcentre Plus office when they make a third or subsequent application for a crisis loan to cover living expenses. During such an interview customers will be provided with a leaflet that contains details of local and national organisations that can provide money management advice. The leaflet has been placed in the Libraries of both Houses of Parliament and copies are also available in the Vote Office.