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I separated from my partner and took my baby and moved in with my parents but their house was overcrowded. I've now moved into my own flat but it doesn't have any furniture. I don't even have an oven. I get Income Support so I can't afford to buy a lot of furniture myself. Someone told me I can get some money from the Department of Work and Pensions. Can I?
You may be able to claim a Community Care Grant. It's a non-repayable grant to help people live independently in the community. Grants can be paid for some furniture expenses. You will have to satisfy certain conditions such as showing that you need the Grant for a recognised purpose, for example, to ease exceptional pressures on you and your family. The Department may ask you why you cannot take items from your previous home.

You may be able to claim a Budgeting Loan. It's an interest free loan to help people with expenses that are difficult to budget for after a period on Income Support or Income Based Jobseekers Allowance. You will have to satisfy certain conditions and your ability to repay the loan will be considered.

Your Citizens Advice Bureau can give you more detailed advice and may be able to help you complete the application forms. The Bureau may be able to advise you about other organisations that could help you or other benefits such as Housing and Council Tax Benefit that you may be able to claim.

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