We are already receiving applications from members who are in financial difficulties as a result of the Coronavirus. In some cases, this has sadly meant providing support to those who have lost loved ones – including help with funeral costs.
CoVid19 Response Fund
For many of our members, work and household income has suddenly changed overnight. Whether as a result of ill-health, loss of income or increased work-related costs, many will be feeling anxious about how they will make ends meet, pay household bills and put food on the table.
We want members to know that we are here to help in whatever way we can and is why we’ve established a special CoVid19 Response Fund. This new hardship fund will help ease the immediate financial pressures faced by members including those who have become more vulnerable by providing an immediate grant of £250 to help with essentials.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a COVID-19 grant the following must apply either to the member and/or their partner:
- Suffered a reduction in earnings as a direct result of the coronavirus crisis which has put them in financial difficulty (this could be linked to work or health related reasons) and/or
- Member and/or partner is a key worker with increased work-related costs as a result of the crisis, e.g. transport, care, or laundry costs.
Also
- Be a UNISON member with at least 4 weeks membership and have paid their subscriptions;
- Have savings of less than £800
- Be applying for or in receipt of any statutory help that they may be entitled to.
How members apply
Members in financial difficulty can apply direct by completing a simple online application form and attaching some supporting documents which will help us reach a quick decision.
For all the details and, the application form itself go to: CoVid19ResponseFund
How you can help
Through your communication channels, please share information about this important initiative as widely as possible as this will ensure members who are struggling receive the help they need.
Other important information
By way of a reminder, please also note that we have introduced a streamlined version of our main financial assistance application form which members can now complete electronically. We are actively encouraging members to use the electronic form where possible as this will result in us receiving the application sooner. Members can apply without going through the branch – something that may be helpful if you are a key worker or other reasons make it difficult to have contact with members.
For further information go to: https://www.unison.org.uk/get-help/services-support/there-for-you/financial-assistance/ and then scroll down to the section on ‘Financial Assistance’
Thank you to everyone. We really do appreciate all that you’re doing during these difficult times.
Stay healthy, stay safe, stay tuned for more information.
Stirling UNISON 