Applying

The WRNS Benevolent Trust is a small Charity. We have no caseworkers of our own and therefore work mainly with the Royal British Legion (RBL) and SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, and their caseworkers call on any applicant on our behalf. They are discreet and knowledgeable, and can give friendly support and advice on a wide variety of matters. They complete a report, which is then put before our Grants Committee for consideration.

All applications are treated with strict confidentiality and there is no need for anyone to know other than the case working organisation, ourselves and of course the people directly concerned. Even the Grants Committee who consider each case are not given names or addresses, only a case number and the relevant details required in order to reach a decision.

Members of the Grants Committee (including those now serving in the RN) are all former Wrens, and give their time and assistance voluntarily. Although the RBL and SSAFA are our main source for caseworkers we do sometimes use other organisations.

Members may apply to us for help direct or a relation or friend does so on their behalf. With the member’s consent we then contact the appropriate organisation in his or her area and arrange for caseworker to visit.

Crisis and Urgent Cases for Support

Crisis and Urgent Cases for Support

Yours is a ‘Crisis case’ if

  • You are unable to feed yourself or you are unable to clothe yourself
  • You could be made homeless if immediate support is not provided

Yours is an ‘Urgent case’ if

  • You need an intervention, payment or decision within 24 to 48 hours. If this doesn’t happen you would become a ‘crisis’ case (i.e. unable to feed yourself, clothe yourself or could be made homeless).

What to do

  • If you are a ‘crisis’ or an ‘urgent’ case call the Trust on 02393 871522 between 0900 and 1700 or email grantsadmin@wrnsbt.org.ukand mark your email ‘crisis case’ or ‘urgent case’.
  • You will be answered by one of the staff who will take down your details, as much information as possible and try to address your issues.

Please be ready to:

  • Prove that you or your spouse or partner served in the Women’s Royal Naval Service (Service Number if possible, plus some details of service)
  • Provide your bank account details for urgent payments (name of account; sort code; account number – details are on your bank debit card)

Grants

DOWNLoaD OUR Grant Making Process

Regular Charitable Payments

Subject to real need, the Trust has three types of flexible regular weekly grants, usually paid quarterly, and categorised as follows:

  • Care Enhancement Grant – To helps towards the cost of permanent or temporary care in a care or nursing home or in their own home;
  • Weekly Maintenance Grant – For beneficiaries of state pension age on a low income;
  • Weekly Support Supplement – For beneficiaries below state pension age, who are too young to qualify for Pension Credit, and yet too old to find employment easily, or too infirm to do so.

General Amenity Grants

These grants help with day-to-day living expenses, e.g., the payment of bills, clothing or perhaps household goods otherwise unaffordable and are paid periodically.

All Regular Charitable Payments are reviewed on an annual basis, which means we are kept informed of the individual’s welfare and can reassess needs as required.

One-Off Grants

The types of demand can be extremely varied. The main areas of current expenditure are categorised as below, but there is no set parameter, and each request is taken on its own merit.

Welfare

  • Debts (Priority) and Arrears – Help may be given in this area in the hope that it will assist the applicant to recover their financial situation. It is always recommended that advice be sought from organisations such as the CAB Debt Counselling Service, StepChange Debt Charity and the Seafarers’ Advice and Information Line;
  • Funeral Expenses – We help with certain costs once eligibility for the DWP’s Funeral Expenses Payment has been investigated. It may be to help one of our eligible beneficiaries towards the cost of a partner’s funeral or perhaps a late beneficiary’s funeral when the partner or family do not have the means to pay in full;
  • Household Goods and Repairs – Household goods can include help with the purchase of white goods, furniture, floor coverings, redecoration etc. Repairs may include structural needs or boiler/heating replacement, but payments from the appropriate authorities are always investigated first;
  • Medical Aids – With a high percentage of current beneficiaries being of pensionable age (see chart), demand for medical aids such as stair lifts and electric powered vehicles continues. We believe that swift assistance should be given to those with disabilities where special equipment is required. In some cases, we provide funding where there would otherwise be a long and unacceptable wait for statutory funding to which the individual is otherwise entitled;
  • Removal and Travel Expenses – We may assist people relocating to an area where family will support them. Travel costs may be given to help our beneficiaries visit their family when they are in hospital, or in other care. Occasionally, we help with expenses when the use of a car is crucial to the applicant’s day-to-day life;
  • Rent and Deposits – Awards may be given towards a deposit or advance rent.

 

Education and Training

  • This is normally in the form of help with the cost of training courses, study costs, computers, books etc. for former Wrens seeking to promote financial award within current or future employment.

Apply for Assistance