Benevolent Fund

The RCN Benevolent Fund, which is made up of donations from current members’ legacies and investment income, is open to present and past RCN members who are experiencing financial difficulties.

We understand that financial difficulties can occur at any time of life and for many different reasons, so we have devised an eligibility checklist.

What the fund covers

Assistance can be given for ‘essential’ outgoings that are not covered by statutory benefits; and where it can be shown that these cannot be met by current income.

Disabled or elderly members on a low income can also apply for one-off grants towards disability equipment, household repairs, adaptations or other essential household items that they would not otherwise be able to afford.

Eligibility

To qualify for an award you must fall into one of the following categories:

  • qualified nurses in current membership
  • retired or ill health retired nurses in previous membership.

Members experiencing financial difficulties for the following reasons will be eligible to make an application to the RCN Benevolent Fund:

  • during a period of ill health when full contractual sick-pay has ceased
  • following ill health retirement
  • during retirement (60+)
  • following a relationship breakdown – if there are children
  • during dispute with an employer.

Unfortunately it is beyond the scope of the Benevolent Fund to make automatic awards to members who have had a reduction in income. All applicants will be required to complete an application form to ensure they fulfil the eligibility requirements and explain the financial hardship they are experiencing.

Members will also need to show that they have applied for all statutory benefits for which they are eligible. The RCN Welfare Adviser can give advice on benefit entitlement. You can contact the Welfare Service on 0845 408 4391.

Examples of where we can make a grant

  • costs associated with returning to work after prolonged absence, eg, insuring or taxing a car
  • where there is a low income, and a utility service, such as gas or electricity or water is threatened
  • a mortgage interest payment where there is no insurance cover
  • a new cooker for a retired member on a low income
  • short-term living expenses or for international nurses on work permits; where there is ‘No Recourse to Public Funds’
  • childcare costs for the first few weeks where a relationship has broken down and without assistance the member would not be able to work
  • a grant towards an electric wheelchair for a disabled member.

We cannot cover costs in the following circumstances

  • for a shortfall in income/over-expenditure is due to consumer debts such as credit cards and loans
  • for private medical treatment
  • awards for family members
  • for top-up fees for care homes.