Application process

Before you apply, you first need to register and create an account. You can do that here.

If you have had a Personal Short Breaks Grant before (between April 2016 and March 2019) we should be able to check your information and approve your application within 24 hours. To do this it is important that you provide the correct information so that it matches what we hold on our system.  You should have already received a unique reference number, you will need this reference number to apply.  If we cannot match your information, or some of your details have changed such as your address, then we may need to refer your application on to the Short Breaks team.

If this is the first time you are applying, your application will need to be looked at by Barking and Dagenham Council’s Short Breaks team. They aim to do this within 10 working days of receiving the completed form.

If you are applying for a grant for more than one child, you will need to complete a separate application for each child. However please note all applications will be stored under the one account and all funds credited to one account. For example if you are applying for two of your children, then you will receive a total of £400 in your online account, so 2 x £200 grants. You will be notified by email to say whether your application has been approved or not. If you are not eligible for a grant, we will let you know why.

If you have been approved for a grant, your funds will be in your account immediately and you will be able to start buying activities straight away.