Help With Day-To-Day Living Costs

Get help with daily living expenses: If you need assistance with unexpected expenses, ongoing financial support, or advice about your benefits, we can assist you in various ways.

1. Regular Financial Assistance: This is available for individuals with a low income who are of pensionable age or nearing it and have a severe long-term health issue preventing them from working. The amount received depends on financial circumstances, with a maximum of £30 per week. Applications must be renewed annually.

2. Home Fuel Costs: You can receive a grant of up to £520 if you're struggling with home fuel expenses, especially if they constitute a significant part of your income. Typically aimed at those receiving means-tested benefits, you'll need to provide evidence of increased fuel prices.

3. Garden Maintenance Allowance: Individuals with disabilities or caregivers can receive a grant of up to £10 per week (£520 annually) to cover garden maintenance costs.

4. Domestic Assistance Allowance: A grant of up to £20 per week (£1,040 annually) is available for housework or minor DIY tasks for disabled individuals or caregivers. This aims to support independence and is paid annually.

5. Priority Debts: In some cases, assistance is provided for priority debts and costs related to bankruptcy or debt relief orders, but this must be confirmed by an independent debt adviser.

6. Temporary Financial Assistance: Temporary financial support may be offered for various reasons, such as job loss, with an emphasis on claiming statutory support.

7. State Benefits: In-house benefits specialists can provide guidance on maximizing income and state benefits.

Costs We Cannot Assist With:

• Reimbursement except for emergencies.
• Credit card debts and loans (seek independent debt advice).
• Private medical costs, unless no NHS funding is available under exceptional circumstances.

Specific RAF Support:

• RAF personnel can apply online for financial support up to £750, with higher amounts requiring a SSAFA caseworker's report.
• RAF veterans can apply online for up to £750 or contact the organisation for additional assistance.

Please note that small grants are typically processed within two weeks, but during high-demand periods, processing times may be longer. Check the eligibility checklist to see if you qualify for assistance and contact the organisation for inquiries or support.

For more than 100 years, the RAF Benevolent Fund has been supporting members of our RAF Family through thick and thin, providing practical, emotional, and financial support whenever they need us. There are many ways the RAF Benevolent Fund can support you and your family. We always aim to provide a tailor-made approach to each individual situation ensuring you get the best support when you need it. In 2022 we supported over 40,700 veterans, serving personnel and their families. 13,800 were supported with their emotional wellbeing and more than 6,900 were supported financially.