One of the UK’s oldest national charities, Family Action provides a Welfare Grants Programme which aims to support families during times of hardship so that they can become stronger, happier and healthier, build their skills and resilience, and improve their life chances. Grants can be used for essential personal and household needs to assist families and individuals on low incomes, particularly those living on benefits. Eligible grant beneficiaries should be on a low income and have the right of residency in the UK.

Applications must be made by a suitable referring agency (such as statutory agencies or charities providing health or social care, housing associations, probation services and GPs). Suitable agencies must:

o Have a bank account in its own name and are able to bank and administer grants, and
o Have knowledge of and are able to assess the needs of the individual or family in need.

The following grants are usually available:

1. Across the United Kingdom - grants up to £300 are available for:
o Older people: to promote independence and improve the quality of life and isolation for those aged 60 and over.
o Mental health*: for adults (over 18 years old) with a clinical diagnosis of a mental health problem, and
o Domestic abuse*: for those who have recently experienced domestic abuse.

*Please note, however, that funding is not currently available for mental health or domestic violence projects.

2. Greater London area only - grants up to £600 are available for:
o Holidays for women for a recuperative holiday to recover health or strength after a physical or mental illness (this includes those who identify as women, inclusive of trans women, non-binary people and other minoritized genders) living in Greater London. Applicants may be required to provide an element of matched funding for grant requests approaching £600.

Funding is not available for:

o Anyone who is not a service user of a registered Referral Organisation.
o Applications directly from individual members of the public.
o Citizenship applications.
o Costs associated with employment or education (including school uniforms).
o Council tax arrears.
o Current employees of a Referral Organisation or their family members.
o Day-to-day living expenses.
o Debts (including utility bills).
o Driving lessons.
o Fines.
o Funding for projects or groups.
o Funeral expenses (including associated expenses, such as headstones).
o General appeals.
o Gifts (for example, Christmas presents).
o Holidays (except for women living in greater London).
o IT equipment including laptops and PCs.
o Legal fees.
o Mobility scooters or similar mobility aids for use outside the home.
o Passport applications.
o Removal costs.
o Rent deposits, arrears or payments.
o Repayment of Social Fund or other loans.
o Sponsorship, or
o To cover bankruptcy or insolvency costs; items already purchased.

Further information, guidance and an online application form can be found on the Family Action website. Registration with Family Action is required before an application can be made.

Applications may be made at any time, but please note that just one application  can be made over each 12-month period by each applying organisation.