News from: Reading Voluntary Action
Friends of the Elderly (FotE) provide grants of up to £400 to older people living on low incomes.
These grants are for older people who are:
-Resident in England and Wales
-Of/over state pension age
-In privately owned, privately rented, or social housing, but NOT in residential care or a nursing home
-Living on low incomes and with savings of less than £4,000
-Not previously a member of the UK Armed Forces
These grants can only be accessed via a third-party Referral Agent who knows you in a professional or community capacity. All communication with FotE about your grant will be via your Referral Agent. Examples of Referral Agents include local authority representatives, social services representative, charities, housing associations, community organisations, Information, Advice and Guidance providers, health and social care teams/keyworkers, health centres, cultural and religious centres.
Your Referral Agent commits to being your representative throughout this process.
There are currently four grant streams open.
HOME ESSENTIALS grants help with the cost of replacing everyday items in the home, small home repairs and mobility adaptations.
DIGITAL CONNECTION grants are 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 costs.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT grants are help with unexpected bills and large costs such as utility bills, funeral costs, moving fees etc.
ESSENTIAL LIVING COSTS grants include clothing, food, medicines, books, and anything that has become unmanageable either because of the Covid-19 pandemic or due to some pre-existing need.
Applications may be submitted at any time. They try to process grant applications as quickly as possible and aim to give a decision within 4 weeks of receiving a completed application with all the necessary evidence. At exceptionally busy times this may take a little longer.
Further information and how to apply: www.fote.org.uk/our-charity-work/grants-2