Savings over 500 are taken into account. Loans have to be paid back - usually out of future weekly benefits. Savings over 500 are taken into account. Crisis Loans are the last resort. They have to be paid back.
Loans are dependent on DSS criteria and on available funds.
The Social Fund also covers Funeral Grants, Maternity Grants, and Cold Weather Payments. They re taxable, but not means-tested. You get the maximum if your income is at or below IS levels, and rebates go down the higher your income. The most under-claimed benefit. There are special rules affecting people under 25 renting from private landlords.