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Lamplight Support Service

Check how we can help you with our self-serve questionnaire

Answer the following questions to see what assistance you might receive through Lamplight.

Have you worked as a registered nurse, registered midwife or nursing support worker in the UK?

Nursing support workers are Healthcare Assistants, Assistant Practitioners, Nursing Associates, Trainee Nursing Associates or Nursing Apprentices  that  work providing health or social care under the guidance and supervision of a registered nurse, midwife or health visitor.

Nursing students are advised to seek support through their university in the first instance and should not use this tool. Read our guidance for students

The Lamplight Support Service assists those who have worked as a registered nurse, midwife or nursing support worker, so it appears you are not eligible to access the service. 

You can access  information about your benefit entitlement and charitable funding by visiting Turn2us to do a benefit check and grant search.

Which UK-based role have you worked in?

Have you sought advice about your entitlement to welfare benefits and/or made claims for benefits that you may be eligible for?

Whether you are working or unemployed, sick or disabled, a parent, a young person, an older person or a veteran you may be entitled to claim benefits.

Some benefits are means tested, others are based on your National Insurance contributions or personal circumstances such as ill health. 

Following a reduction in income, the Lamplight Support Service can check your eligibility for welfare benefits and advise you how to claim.

We can also support you to explore other ways of maximising your income such as reducing non essential expenditure or increasing income for example by taking in a lodger or reviewing your potential working hours.

To discuss your suitability for an appointment with RCN Lamplight, call 0345 772 6200 . Lines are open 8.30am-5pm weekdays and 9am-4pm weekends. 

Please note that the purpose of this online tool is to help establish if an appointment with Lamplight will benefit you and is not part of an assessment for hardship grants. During an appointment, an adviser will complete a financial statement with you to explore potential financial assistance.

If you'd like to check your entitlement to benefits online, you can use one the following sites:

Turn2Us

Entitledto 

For information on the types of grants administered through Lamplight visit our guide to financial assistance.




It appears that your income and expenditure haven't changed recently but you're having financial difficulties. Do you have debts?

Debts include credit cards, loans, store cards, hire purchase agreements, and council tax arrears, utility arrears and mortgage arrears. Debts also covers Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVA) and Debt Management Plans.

Please note, for the purpose of this question, debts do not include your ongoing, contractual payments for mortgages, utilities and council tax.

As debts can be negotiated, Lamplight will not grant financial assistance in circumstances where the primary cause of financial difficulty is caused by debt repayments.

Please see our guide to financial assistance for more information.

You have indicated that the repayment of debt is a factor in your financial difficulty and you therefore may benefit from seeking debt advice from an accredited money adviser.

At the current time, the RCN is unable to offer FCA Regulated Debt Counselling. If you are seeking advice with consumer credit debts such as credit cards,  bank overdrafts and Hire Purchase then please use the links below for information on the steps you can take and how to access support:

Money Advice Service: Options for Clearing your debts (England and Wales)
Money Advice Service: Options for Clearing your debts (Scotland)
Money Advice Service: Options for Clearing your debts (Northern Ireland)


The RCN Welfare Service offers advice and representation on a range of issues which includes problem debt such as:

Overpayment of wages, rent arrears, overpayment of NHS Pensions, welfare benefit and tax credit debts, council tax arrears and utility bill debts.

RCN members can access the Welfare Service by calling RCN Direct on 0345 772 6100 (Lines are open between 8:30am – 5pm weekdays and 9am – 4pm weekends)

Individuals who are not members of the RCN can access guidance and details of where to get support from the Money Helper website:

Free and impartial help with money, backed by the government | MoneyHelper

If you are unsure whether debt is causing your shortfall, you can utilise our online budget form.


 

Are the repayment of debts a factor in your increased monthly expenditure?

Debts include credit cards, loans, store cards, hire purchase agreements, and council tax arrears, utility arrears and mortgage arrears. Debts also covers Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVA) and Debt Management Plans.

Please note, for the purpose of this question, debts do not include your ongoing, contractual payments for mortgages, utilities and council tax.

Debts can be negotiated so if your debt repayments are too high and the main cause of your financial difficulty then we’d encourage you to seek money advice before booking an appointment with Lamplight.

At the current time, the RCN is unable to offer FCA Regulated Debt Counselling. If you are seeking advice with consumer credit debts such as credit cards,  bank overdrafts and Hire Purchase then please use the links below for information on the steps you can take and how to access support:

The RCN Welfare Service offers advice and representation on a range of issues which includes problem debt such as:

Overpayment of wages, rent arrears, overpayment of NHS Pensions, welfare benefit and tax credit debts, council tax arrears and utility bill debts.

RCN members can access the Welfare Service by calling RCN Direct on 0345 772 6100 (Lines are open between 8:30am – 5pm weekdays and 9am – 4pm weekends)

Individuals who are not members of the RCN can access guidance and details of where to get support from the Money Helper website:

Free and impartial help with money, backed by the government | MoneyHelper

If you are unsure whether debt is causing your shortfall, you can utilise our online budget form.

Lamplight will not grant financial assistance in circumstances where the primary cause of financial difficulty is caused by debt repayments. Please see our guide to financial assistance for more information.

If you have debt but you feel the repayments are managed and not the main cause of your financial difficulty, Lamplight might be able to help with budgeting, income maximisation and potentially a grant. You can schedule an appointment with Lamplight to see what support is available.

As your household expenditure appears to have increased, Lamplight can discuss ways of maximising your income which will be tailored to your circumstances. Examples include renting out a spare room, working additional hours or changing contracts for utility and entertainment packages. 

If your increased expenditure is short term - after income maximisation we may be able to assist with a one-off means tested grant. See our guide to financial assistance. 
Please note, eligibility for grants can only be decided on the return of documentation including bank statements. 

Call 0345 772 6200 to schedule an appointment with Lamplight. Lines are open 8.30am-5pm weekdays and 9am-4pm weekends. 

Please note that the purpose of this online tool is to help establish if an appointment with Lamplight will benefit you and is not part of an assessment for hardship grants. During an appointment, an adviser will complete a financial statement with you to explore potential financial assistance.

 

Is the repayment of debt the primary cause of your financial difficulty?

Debts include credit cards, loans, store cards, hire purchase agreements, and council tax arrears, utility arrears and mortgage arrears. Debts also covers Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVA) and Debt Management Plans.

Please note, for the purpose of this question, debts do not include your ongoing, contractual payments for mortgages, utilities and council tax.

Debts can be negotiated so if your debt repayments are too high and the main cause of your financial difficulty then we’d encourage you to seek money advice before booking an appointment with Lamplight.

You have indicated that the repayment of debt is a factor in your financial difficulty and you therefore may benefit from seeking debt advice from an accredited money adviser.

At the current time, the RCN is unable to offer FCA Regulated Debt Counselling. If you are seeking advice with consumer credit debts such as credit cards,  bank overdrafts and Hire Purchase then please use the links below for information on the steps you can take and how to access support:

Money Advice Service: Options for Clearing your debts (England and Wales)
Money Advice Service: Options for Clearing your debts (Scotland)
Money Advice Service: Options for Clearing your debts (Northern Ireland)

The RCN Welfare Service offers advice and representation on a range of issues which includes problem debt such as:

Overpayment of wages, rent arrears, overpayment of NHS Pensions, welfare benefit and tax credit debts, council tax arrears and utility bill debts.

RCN members can access the Welfare Service by calling RCN Direct on 0345 772 6100 (Lines are open between 8:30am – 5pm weekdays and 9am – 4pm weekends)

Individuals who are not members of the RCN can access guidance and details of where to get support from the Money Helper website:

Free and impartial help with money, backed by the government | MoneyHelper

If you are unsure whether debt is causing your shortfall, you can utilise our online budget form.

Lamplight will not grant financial assistance in circumstances where the primary cause of financial difficulty is caused by debt repayments. Please see our guide to financial assistance for more information.

If you have debt but you feel the repayments are managed and not the main cause of your financial difficulty, Lamplight might be able to help with budgeting, income maximisation and potentially a grant. You can schedule an appointment with Lamplight to see what support is available.

 

Do you have debts?

Debts include credit cards, loans, store cards, hire purchase agreements, and council tax arrears, utility arrears and mortgage arrears. Debts also covers Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVA) and Debt Management Plans.

Please note, for the purpose of this question, debts do not include your ongoing, contractual payments for mortgages, utilities and council tax.

Debts can be negotiated so if your debt repayments are too high and the main cause of your financial difficulty then we’d encourage you to seek money advice before booking an appointment with Lamplight.

At the current time, the RCN is unable to offer FCA Regulated Debt Counselling. If you are seeking advice with consumer credit debts such as credit cards,  bank overdrafts and Hire Purchase then please use the links below for information on the steps you can take and how to access support:

The RCN Welfare Service offers advice and representation on a range of issues which includes problem debt such as:

Overpayment of wages, rent arrears, overpayment of NHS Pensions, welfare benefit and tax credit debts, council tax arrears and utility bill debts.

RCN members can access the Welfare Service by calling RCN Direct on 0345 772 6100 (Lines are open between 8:30am – 5pm weekdays and 9am – 4pm weekends)

Individuals who are not members of the RCN can access guidance and details of where to get support from the Money Helper website:

Free and impartial help with money, backed by the government | MoneyHelper

If you are unsure whether debt is causing your shortfall, you can utilise our online budget form.

Lamplight will not grant financial assistance in circumstances where the primary cause of financial difficulty is caused by debt repayments. Please see our guide to financial assistance for more information.

If you have debt but you feel the repayments are managed and not the main cause of your financial difficulty, Lamplight might be able to help with budgeting, income maximisation and potentially a grant. You can schedule an appointment with Lamplight to see what support is available.

 

How long have you worked in a UK-based nursing support worker role?

Nursing support workers are Healthcare Assistants, Assistant Practitioners, Nursing Associates, Trainee Nursing Associates or Nursing Apprentices  that  work providing health or social care under the guidance and supervision of a registered nurse, midwife or health visitor.


To be eligible to apply for financial assistance, nursing support workers need to have a minimum of three years' work experience in the UK.

Nursing support workers with under three years experience are able to access the Lamplight Support Service for advice and information only. See the services available here.


Is the increase in your monthly expenditure linked to the repayment of debt?

Debts include credit cards, loans, store cards, hire purchase agreements, and council tax arrears, utility arrears and mortgage arrears. Debts also covers Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVA) and Debt Management Plans.

Please note, for the purpose of this question, debts do not include your ongoing, contractual payments for mortgages, utilities and council tax.

As debts can be negotiated, Lamplight will not grant financial assistance in circumstances where the primary cause of financial difficulty is caused by debt repayments. 

Please see our guide to financial assistance for more information.

You have indicated that the repayment of debt is a factor in your financial difficulty and you therefore may benefit from seeking debt advice from an accredited money adviser.

At the current time, the RCN is unable to offer FCA Regulated Debt Counselling. If you are seeking advice with consumer credit debts such as credit cards,  bank overdrafts and Hire Purchase then please use the links below for information on the steps you can take and how to access support:

The RCN Welfare Service offers advice and representation on a range of issues which includes problem debt such as:

Overpayment of wages, rent arrears, overpayment of NHS Pensions, welfare benefit and tax credit debts, council tax arrears and utility bill debts.

RCN members can access the Welfare Service by calling RCN Direct on 0345 772 6100 (Lines are open between 8:30am – 5pm weekdays and 9am – 4pm weekends)

Individuals who are not members of the RCN can access guidance and details of where to get support from the Money Helper website:

Free and impartial help with money, backed by the government | MoneyHelper

If you are unsure whether debt is causing your shortfall, you can utilise our online budget form.  

As your household expenditure appears to have increased, we can discuss ways of maximising your income which will be tailored to your circumstances. Examples include renting out a spare room, working additional hours or changing contracts for utility and entertainment packages. 

If your increased expenditure is short term - after income maximisation we may be able to assist with a one-off means tested grant. See our guide to financial assistance. 

Please note, eligibility for grants can only be decided on the return of documentation including bank statements. 

Call 0345 772 6200 to schedule an appointment with Lamplight. Lines are open 8.30am-5pm weekdays and 9am-4pm weekends. 

Please note that the purpose of this online tool is to help establish if an appointment with Lamplight will benefit you and is not part of an assessment for hardship grants. During an appointment, an adviser will complete a financial statement with you to explore potential financial assistance.

Are you struggling to meet your essential outgoings each month?

Your essential expenditure includes your fixed household costs, such as rent/mortgage and utilities, as well as reasonable spending on food, housekeeping and travel. 

Essential expenditure does not include debts.

Debts include credit cards, loans, store cards, hire purchase agreements, and council tax arrears, utility arrears and mortgage arrears. Debts also covers Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVA) and Debt Management Plans.

Please note, for the purpose of this question, debts do not include your ongoing, contractual payments for mortgages, utilities and council tax.

Do you want advice about your entitlement to benefits or to check you are in receipt of the correct benefits or tax credits?

Whether you are working or unemployed, sick or disabled, a parent, a young person, an older person or a veteran you may be entitled to claim benefits.

Some benefits are means tested, others are based on your National Insurance contributions or personal circumstances such as ill health.  

The Lamplight Support Service can check your eligibility for welfare benefits, advise you how to claim and check you're in receipt of the correct amount.

We can also support you to explore other ways of maximising your income such as reducing non essential expenditure or increasing income for example by taking in a lodger or reviewing your potential working hours.

To discuss your suitability for an appointment with RCN Lamplight, call 0345 772 6200 . Lines are open 8.30am-5pm weekdays and 9am-4pm weekends. 

Please note that the purpose of this online tool is to help establish if an appointment with Lamplight will benefit you and is not part of an assessment for hardship grants. During an appointment, an adviser will complete a financial statement with you to explore potential financial assistance.

If you'd like to check your entitlement to benefits online, you can use one the following sites:

Turn2Us

Entitledto 

For information on the types of grants administered through Lamplight visit our guide to financial assistance. 
You have indicated that you do not want benefits advice or debt advice. Are you seeking financial assistance through the RCN Foundation?

Before being considered for financial assistance we require individuals to:

  • Apply for all benefits they may be eligible for;
  • Take reasonable steps to increase household income and reduce household outgoings, which includes a partner’s income/expenditure and contributions from non-dependants;
  • Access specialist debt advice, if needed;
  • Complete a comprehensive budget and provide supporting documents, including bank statements.

Further details about the financial assistance available can be found in the guide to financial assistance. 

Please read this before booking an appointment. All assessments for grants begin with a telephone appointment.

To discuss your suitability for an appointment with RCN Lamplight, call 0345 772 6200 . Lines are open 8.30am-5pm weekdays and 9am-4pm weekends. 

Please note that the purpose of this online tool is to help establish if an appointment with Lamplight will benefit you and is not part of an assessment for hardship grants. During an appointment, an adviser will complete a financial statement with you to explore potential financial assistance.

For details of other charities that might be able to assist visit the Turn2us website.

It is unclear what support you are seeking. Please review the support available through the RCN.

Has your monthly expenditure increased?

Have you had a recent reduction in household income? Or do you anticipate a reduction in the next two weeks?

 

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