Applying for an individual grant
Guidance Notes - Please read very carefully
Our individual grants are aimed at those experiencing poverty or hardship.
We know that you may be applying to us as a last resort, we will therefore strive to ensure that your application is processed efficiently and that your experience is as positive as possible. However our funds are limited, so to maximise your chances of success please check that you are eligible and follow our guidance carefully.
How much can I apply for?
Our average award last year was £360.00 in value. Our awards are normally made in the form of e-vouchers, a bank transfer direct to a supplier, or through our own suppliers. If you apply for a much larger amount you are unlikely to be successful.
Who can apply?
You must meet the minimum criteria listed below and supply a statement or letter of support from a professional person (referrer) who knows you and your circumstances well. This could be a CAB Advisor, Housing Officer, Charity Worker, Money Advisor, GP or other professional person.
We are also happy to receive applications from referrers on behalf of an individual.
Please note - households can only receive one award in any 12 month period to a maximum of three in any five year period.
There are other organisations which may be able to help.
Lightening Reach - free online portal that connects financial support from various sources to the people that need it, quickly and securely - Visit website here >
Turn 2 Us - free Benefits Calculator; Grants Search; details about Turn2us' direct grant-giving funds; and links to other sources of information and help - Visit website here >
The Association of Charitable Organisations - free directory of benevolent organisations which make grants. These are especially relevant if you have worked in a particular trade or industry - Visit website here >
What is the minimum criteria?
- You must have UK citizenship or been granted leave to remain.
- You must have been resident in the UK for at least 12 months.
- You must be over 18 years old.
- You must be in receipt of all state benefits you are entitled to (except where you are waiting for benefit to be awarded for example PIP or appealing against a decision of the DWP to refuse or withdraw a benefit)
- You must have applied to other trade related benevolence funds (if applicable)
- You must be able to supply the contact details of a referrer (see How to Apply section below)
What can I apply for?
- Help to buy white goods e.g. fridge, freezer, microwave, washing machine or cooker.
- Help to buy essential household goods e.g. bedding and beds, bedroom furniture, kitchen equipment.
- Help to buy food or clothing.
- Help to pay priority debts including Gas, Electric, Water, Council Tax, Telephone, and Internet
- Help to pay for a debt relief order or bankruptcy costs, if you have been advised that this is the best course of action by a debt advice agency.
- Help to pay for floor coverings, if young children or people living with a long term health condition share your home.
- Help to pay for training or work tools, if you can show that it will help you get a job.
A few things to note before you apply:
1. We are a very small, committed team but due to the volume of applications we receive, and for security reasons, we can only process applications through the online application form.
2. Please contact us via email rather than telephone.
3. Please respond to our requests for further information as promptly as possible as this will normally speed up the decision process.
4. Please do not purchase your goods while your application is in process as we cannot make awards retrospectively.
5 Please be courteous.Our staff are doing their best,
What happens once we receive your application?
We aim to make an initial assessment of your application within 15 working days of receiving it. You will then receive an email from us which will either;
1. Tell you the outcome of your application and if successful, when and how an award will be made.
or
2. Ask you to provide further information or documentation
or
3. Tell you that your application will be considered by our Welfare Committee (applications which are exceptional, as listed below, are always considered by the Welfare Committee and therefore take longer to process)
In exceptional circumstances you may apply for help;
- To buy a disability aid if there are insufficient government grants and you can show it is the most cost effective option.
- To pay for minor home repairs or garden improvements, if you can show that it will enhance your wellbeing.
- To pay your rent arrears, if you can show that having some or all of the arrears paid will enable you to stay in your home or move to more suitable accomodation and you have tried to reach agreement with your landlord to set up a payment plan and/or have applied for a discretionary housing payment.
How to Apply
Please fill in the application form below and ensure you have completed everything on the checklist before sending it to us.
You will need to provide;
1. A Statement or Letter from a referrer. This must be an independent person who is professionally involved with you for example a Charity Advice Worker, Social Worker, Housing Officer, Money Advice Worker, CAB Advisor, Health Visitor, GP etc. It should include: a description of your current circumstances, what you are applying for, how they are professionally involved with you and that they support your application. The professional referrer statement or letter can either be pasted into the box provided in the application form or attached as a file at the end. Your application will be rejected without a referrer.
2. Your monthly income and outgoings
3. A Bank Statement which is no more than two months old or your most recent Benefits statement.
4. Medical Evidence from your GP, NHS Consultant or Specialist etc, if it is relevant to your application
You will find the application process is easier if you upload your Referrer Statement, Bank or Benefits Statement and Medical Evidence onto your device before starting the form and have your income and outgoings to hand.
If you are a referrer making an application on behalf of a client, please give your clients name, email and contact details at the start of the application form and your details in the For Referrers section at the end of the application form.
If your application is incomplete we will be unable to process it and it will be rejected.
Checklist
- Ensure all your personal details are complete; including full income and outgoings based on the whole household. This must include every member of the family that is contributing to the daily living costs.
- Ensure that you (or your referrer) have signed and completed the consent questions. Please read our Privacy Statement
- Upload a Bank Statement which is no more than two months old or your most recent Benefits Statement
- Upload evidence of your medical condition (if applicable to your application). This must be in the form of a statement from your doctor, hospital or other medical professional confirming your condition.
- Give as much information as possible about your circumstances, why you are asking for a grant and explain how a grant will help you.
- Upload your referrers letter or paste your referrers statement in the box provided and given your referrers contact details in the section For Referrers.
