FINANCIAL HARDSHIP SUPPORT
We understand that, as life circumstances change, individuals may find themselves in severe financial distress. The Ben Fund is here to support members and dependents through the provision of Financial Assistance Grants and Death in Service Grants.
Financial Assistance Grant
Who is eligible?
Members of The Ben Fund, their dependents and surviving partners who are in a condition of both need and severe financial hardship may be awarded a grant (normally a maximum of £5,000). Any grants awarded are intended to help pay for items or services which will ease suffering and improve wellbeing.
Criteria
The Ben Fund has a limited annual budget for grants, and enquiries for financial assistance from The Ben Fund should only be made as a last resort after all other options have been explored. Trustee decisions are based on an assessment of need, financial hardship, and the applicant’s disposable income. Your local trustee representative will explore all options with you and support your application for Financial Assistance from The Ben Fund.
To assist the board of trustees in assessing whether the fund can offer any financial assistance, your local trustee representative will need to speak to you and obtain further information from you including a detailed financial schedule of all asset’s, income, outgoings, and any debt that you may have.
All applications for financial assistance will require the provision of full details of all household income, assets, outgoings, and any debts. Members who have a substantial number of debts will only be considered for financial assistance after they have sought independent financial advice from a Ben Fund approved financial adviser together with a copy of their written recommendations.
Exclusions
Support towards private health care, nursing home fees, private education or legal fees are excluded.
Process
If after reading the Financial Assistance information you feel that you meet the criteria, please send an email detailing your circumstance to applications@nwpbf.org
On receipt, your enquiry will be forwarded to your trustee representative who will be in touch with you to discuss the matter and to obtain detailed financial information from you. By submitting an enquiry, you give your consent to The Ben Fund sharing this information with a trustee.
At this stage you will be required to provide full details of all your household income, assets, outgoings and any debts. Members who have a substantial number of debts will only be considered for financial assistance after they have sought independent financial advice from a Ben Fund approved financial adviser together with a copy of their written recommendations.
All Financial Assistance applications are considered by the trustees at the quarterly trustee board meeting, upon submission of a completed application form (the application will be considered sooner if it is urgent).
If approved by the Board of Trustee’s grants, will be paid within five working days.
Hardship in Bereavement Grant
We know that money is no consolation for the loss of a loved one, but it can provide comfort to know that immediate expenses can be addressed. Where a member dies whilst still a serving officer, a grant of up to £5,000 may be paid to the dependent(s) or nominated person where there is a need to alleviate immediate financial hardship.
