Any former ATS or WRAC servicewoman, including TA, with one day’s paid service or more, is eligible for assistance.
Are there any other criteria?
Yes, you must be in need of financial help. There’s also a limit on the amount of savings that you can have above which the Benevolent Fund is unable to make an award. To qualify for a maintenance grant you must be living alone on a basic state pension and in poor health.
The fund has helped with one-off grants in a wide range of categories including:
- House repairs and adaptations
- Mobility aids
- Funeral expenses
- Priority debt
- Clothing and Food
- Central heating/boilers
- Household and white goods
- Removal and travel expenses
- Rent, deposits and bonds
- Respite Breaks
- Regular Charitable Payments
Benevolent Fund Annual Maintenance Grant (AMG) – this grant is for applicants below state pension age where there is a long term need for support. It would apply to those who are unable to find employment through no fault of their own, persistently poor health or due to caring for family members.
Ben Fund Support Supplement (SS) – a short term grant of variable duration for those applicants below State Retirement Age. It can be used to cover income shortfalls arising from delays in receiving state benefits or short term loss of salary due to medical treatment.
Care Enhancement Grant (CEG) – weekly assistance for beneficiaries of state pensionable age to cover nursing/care home fees top up, care at home or a personal expense allowance for those residents in a nursing/care home.
Princess Royal Memorial Fund Annual Maintenance Grants (AMG) – a grant to help with day-to-day living expenses. Applicants will be of State Retirement Age, living on a low income and demonstrate need for such assistance.
Overseas Princess Royal Memorial Fund Annual Maintenance Grant (Overseas PRMF AMG) – these have the same criteria as the AMG but for those ex-service women living overseas.
All Regular Charitable Payments are reviewed on an annual basis.