FAQs

How do I claim an expense?

You will be able to claim online on the open collective platform - you will need to state the amount you’re claiming, provide your bank details for reimbursement and provide a photo of the receipt and original request you’ve responded to. 

How quickly will I be reimbursed for an expense I’ve incurred?

The Social Change Agency makes payments several times a week, so once the receipt has been received and approved by the administrators, it should be no longer than three to four days.

What if the cost of the request is more than £100?

It’s highly unlikely that a shop will cost more than £100 as we are running regular errands for people to ensure they have fresh produce. So far, shopping has on average cost £25-40. For very large shops, more than one person will be requested to go, so an option would be splitting the payment between two people.

What if someone can’t pay, and there isn’t enough money in our account?

We will appeal to the group, or to people who have donated to the group, for donations to cover the cost.

How do we decide who doesn’t have to pay for their items?

Payment, whether the amount or the mechanism, should never be a barrier to receiving food and basic necessities. We will never ask people who make requests for any personal or financial information, so the system is based on trust. If someone says they cannot pay for their items, we will cover the cost.

We will always give requesters the option to pay - while losing many personal freedoms at this time and feeling ’helpless’, it’s important that requesters are empowered and maintain agency to make decisions over the (more limited) life choices they have.

Will the money be used for anything other than completing requests?

Money may be used for printing leaflets or posters to promote the group. At a later stage, we may need a spare phone and a sim card so that a central number rather than personal telephone numbers are distributed.

Will the financial administrators have access to volunteers’ bank details?

No. SCA will receive the bank details through the claim forms and will follow standard accounting practices.

Why do we need someone from the Social Change Agency in our whatsapp group?

This is a stipulation of having SCA as our fiscal host, to verify that we’re a legitimate active group.