Family Action grants

Family Action helps individuals on a low income get the support they need. There is financial help given from their grant programmes, but much of the assistance provided is for long term stability as part of Education or Employment services. The charity also helps a client solve their emergency by using grant to provide them with money as part of Welfare payments.

The range of people giving grants is extensive. So is the use of the money from the charity. There may be financial assistance from Family Action to pay for transportation to employment or new clothes for work. Petrol costs may be covered as well as part of their Employment scheme.

They also use the funds to help keep children in school, so free school supplies can be paid for. Or if needed, free food can be given to the student so they remain healthy. With one in three children in the UK in poverty, the charity wants people to gain the skills and training they need, and Education grants from Family Action are used for this.

Welfare needs from Family Action are met too. If an applicant is faced with a crisis, such as heat was shut off or they are out of food, then a grant can help with paying those bills too. There may be assistance in paying unexpected costs, such as for a broken washing machine or auto repair. This form of welfare aid is for people that are working to better themselves.

Financial aid is to be a safety net. When the family in poverty is out of resources and council schemes will not help them, then this is when Family Action may support the applicant. It is a crisis assistance programme only.

Criteria for Family Action grants

Priority is given to people that are vulnerable and that have complex challenges. There is help for the individuals with a disability or mental health issue. Women or youth escaping from domestic violence can apply for grants to move or the housing needed. There is also help for the substance misusers.

Grants are given along with emotional support. Many of the vulnerable that Family Action deals with have additional needs as they have barriers to stability. The disadvantaged can be put into contact with a counsellor or other social service provider.

Any form of assistance will have a maximum payment of £600 for the family. If the household is just one person, then less money will be given. So there is a limited to how much financial aid is given. There will also be priority given to older people over the age of 60, those people that need help in paying for disability aids, and those with a mental health problem.

To apply, Family Action will not accept applications from individuals. Instead, people need to go through a voluntary organisation such as the Salvation Army. Or families can contact their local council for information on these grants, as Family Action does partner with these statutory agencies too in administering welfare schemes to the vulnerable.

For more information, the application process is explained here. https://family-action-trustsearch.org.uk/apply/wel/intro.aspx. Or people can ring Family Action at 020 7254 6251 on Wednesday or Friday.