The Friends of the Elderly charity’s Grants for Older People programme has 4 strands:
1. Digital Connections - to help older people get online and stay connected and can be used towards the cost of equipment such as tablets and smartphones as well as Broadband/Wi-Fi/Mi-Fi (mobile Wi-Fi) costs. The maximum grant available under this measure is £400 or £500 for households where two or more people are eligible for grants (eg a couple, siblings, friends living together at the same address).
2. Essential Living Costs - to help with clothing, food, medicines, books, and anything that has become unmanageable either because of the Covid-19 pandemic or due to some pre-existing need. The maximum grant available under this measure is £250.
3. Financial Support - to help with unexpected bills and large costs such as utility bills, funeral costs for loved ones, moving fees etc. The maximum grant available under this measure is £400 or £500 for households where two or more people are eligible for grants (eg a couple, siblings, friends living together at the same address), and
4. Home Essentials - to help with the cost of replacing everyday items in the home (white goods such as washing machines, fridges, freezers etc. and furnishings), small home repairs and mobility adaptations. The maximum grant available under this measure is £400 or £500 for households where two or more people are eligible for grants (eg a couple, siblings, friends living together at the same address).
In order to qualify for grant support, the older person must:
o Be of UK state pension age.
o Be on a low income and with savings of less than £4,000.
o Currently live in England or Wales.
o Have not served in the UK Armed Forces, and
o Living in privately owned, privately rented, or social housing (i.e. not in residential care or a nursing home).
Grants are not available for:
o Covering credit card debt.
o Emergencies (for example, fast track grants).
o Funeral expenses for the applicant.
o Goods already purchased (except in exceptional circumstances).
o Items that should reasonably be provided via statutory services, or
o Mortgages or rent arrears.
To apply, the Referral Agent should complete the online application form available on the Friends of the Elderly website, where further information and guidance about the programme can also be found.
Applications may be made at any time, but please note that only one application per household per year may be made.
Contact details for Friends of the Elderly are:
Friends of the Elderly
40-42 Ebury Street
London
SW1W 0LZ
Tel: 0330 332 1110
Email: hello(at)fote.org.uk
