FOR YOU
Financial aid
Sometimes we all need a little extra help. If you're struggling financially, you may be eligible for non-repayable financial aid. Find out what support is available and how to apply.
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FOR YOU
Financial aid
Sometimes we all need a little extra help. If you're struggling financially, you may be eligible for non-repayable financial aid. Find out what support is available and how to apply.
FOR YOU
Financial aid
Sometimes we all need a little extra help. If you're struggling financially, you may be eligible for non-repayable financial aid. Find out what support is available and how to apply.
How can we help?
Daily health and wellbeing support, tailored around you.
Financial support when you need it most.
We know that financial pressures can really affect our wellbeing.
If you’re experiencing financial difficulties or have an unexpected change in circumstances, we may be able to help with non-repayable financial aid.
We all have times when we could do with a little help with our finances, and at the Retail Trust, we have a range of options to support. Alongside financial aid, we have advice to help you to tackle your debts and improve your relationship with money.
Take some time to look at our range of financial wellness support.
Financial aid - who can apply?
Applications for financial aid will only be accepted from those currently working or with a recent working history in the retail industry or supporting services, including logistics or distribution, manufacturing, wholesale, supply chain and property or facilities management. To be eligible for support, you must meet one of the following employment criteria:
Employment status | You must meet these criteria |
|---|---|
Currently employed in the retail or associated sector, including students, trainees and apprentices | Minimum three months' service with your existing employer |
Unemployed | Must have worked in retail in the last 12 months and have at least two years of continuous service with no gap in retail employment prior to becoming unemployed |
Long-term absent | Must have worked in retail in the last 12 months with at least two years of continuous service with no gap in retail employment prior to absence |
Retired (state pension age or early retirement due to ill health) | Last employment must have been in the retail industry with at least three years of continuous service prior to retirement |
Case worker applications
Applications can also be made by third parties, such as case workers, debt advisors, Citizens Advice or other welfare agency workers on behalf of eligible applicants once they have been approved as an external case worker by the Retail Trust.
To check if you qualify as a case worker, please click here for more details.
What can we help with?
Financial aid from the Retail Trust is available to support those facing the challenge of financial hardship due to a range of circumstances, including if you:
Have experienced an unexpected or significant reduction in household income due to an unforeseen event which has resulted in financial crisis
Are unable to provide the basic daily living essentials for your family
Need support with the cost of application fees associated with a:
Debt Relief Order (DRO),
Making of a bankruptcy order or an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA)
Need to replace an essential home appliance such as a cooker, oven, washing machine or refrigerator
Require essential home repairs due to fire or flood where no insurance cover exists
Need financial help as a direct result of leaving an abusive relationship, such as a rental deposit or costs related to setting up a safe new home.
Need essential medical equipment not covered under the NHS or home adaptations to assist those living with a disability or long‑term health condition.
Require support with unexpected financial commitments (such as dental treatment) arising directly from a physical attack or assault in the workplace.
Where support is approved, we may be able to cover all required costs or provide a contribution towards the costs associated with your situation. Due to the volume of applications we receive, please be advised that applying does not guarantee an award. The Retail Trust assesses each application individually, prioritising those with the most urgent needs.