Getting ready to apply for financial aid

Before you apply, here’s a little more about the eligibility criteria, application process and details about the paperwork you’ll need to provide to support your application. 

Do you qualify to receive financial aid from the Retail Trust?   

Employment status:   

To apply for financial assistance, 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  

The rules: 

  • The application must be in the name of the individual who is eligible for support – if you are completing the application on behalf of another family member, please ensure the application and all supporting documentation is submitted in their name.  
  • The applicant must have no more than £4000 in savings. 
  • The applicant’s spending patterns must indicate a genuine need. Excessive spending on non-essentials including those via in-app purchases and online betting websites may result in your application being rejected.  
  • Applicants must provide all relevant supporting documentation required by the Retail Trust within ten days of the initial submission or the application will be automatically rejected. 
  • The Retail Trust reserves the right to block or withdraw any financial aid issued if claims are found to be false or fraudulent. No more than two applications will be accepted within a ten-year period, with a minimum period of at least two years between applications. Please note we are unable to process repeat applications for the same type of support as previously applied for. 
  • Applications for support as a direct result of a physical attack or assault within the workplace must have occurred in the last three months (but not before 1 August 2025), involving a member of the public, that is not attributable to the actions of the employee, and where no costs have already been covered by the employer, health cash plan or insurance policy. Applicants will be required to provide a crime reference number or confirmation from the employer with details of the incident to validate the application.

Before starting an application, gather together all of the documentation required to support your application. This will avoid any unnecessary delays in processing your application. All supporting documents such as proof of service, payslips and financial statements as well as any relevant supplier quotes should be submitted at the point of application. 

How long will it take to get a decision? 

The Retail Trust aims to approve successful applications (where all required documentation has been submitted) within a maximum of 14 business days.  

We are unable to fast track applications and all applications received will be reviewed on receipt to prioritise applicants in the most immediate need.  

As part of the application process for financial aid, a member of the Retail Trust team may be required to contact you directly to discuss details relating to your application. This is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of applicants. 

Due to the volume of applications, we receive, please be advised that an application is not a guarantee of an award. The Retail Trust will review all applications, prioritising those with the most urgent needs. 

What will you need to apply?  

  • Proof of your qualifying retail related employment, including names and dates of employment.   
  • Details about your household monthly income and expenditure including copies of your most recent payslips.
  • Reason for your application and what you need financial assistance for, including any supplier quotations in support of your application.  
  • Copies of an official bank statement dated within the last 90 days.  
 

I confirm that I meet the eligibility criteria and I’m ready to apply for financial aid from the Retail Trust.

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