SERVICE DETAILS
The Society provides financial support to single women in Scotland over the age of 50 who experience financial hardship. The Society's trustees set income and capital ceilings, as well as other criteria, which determine admission to, and retention on, its Roll of Beneficiaries.
The Society provides support to its beneficiaries by way of an Annual Grant which currently amounts to £1,320. This is paid in equal monthly installments. For some people, the Society's support may be open ended as long as the beneficiary meets the our criteria. For others, our support may be paid for a limited period to support the person over a partcicular period or with a particular issues.
How we Help...
Beneficiaries are visited regularly by one of the Society's Caseworkers. These visits occur every year or two depending on the circumstances. The main purpose of the visit is to complete an up to date financial assessment in order that we can assess your continued eligibility for our grant. The Caseworker’s visit can also provide an opportunity to discuss in confidence, any anxieties or worries that the beneficiary may be experiencing. She can provide an often welcome “listening ear”, and although unable to offer direct advice, she can often provide you with contact details of other organisations which may be of help.
From time to time the Society may distribute Supplementary Grants to those beneficiaries on the lowest incomes and savings. Such grants should not be relied upon for regular income. For exisitng beneficiaries, the Society may make an advance payment of up to iro £500 to help with particular costs and their monthly grants are then reduced (or suspended) for a period whle these advances are recovered.
Please note that the Society does NOT provide one-off or occasional single grants for specific items of expenditure.
Application criteria...
The Society invites applications for assistance from women who can show that they meet the following criteria...
- Aged 50 years or over;
- Have been resident in Scotland for at least two years at the time of application;
- Are single - i.e. unmarried, widowed, divorced or formally separated AND not be "cohabiting" (i.e. not living with a someone as if they were married or in a civil partnership - as defined in Section 25 of the Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006);
- Have a "Qualifying Income" of no more than £12,400 per annum, i.e. income from all sources including disability benefits and an assumed income from savings, but after net housing, council tax and an offset against disability benefits (ie DLA, PIP and Attendance Allowance) have been deducted;
- Have total savings and capital of £16,000 or less - not including the value of their home;
- Able to show evidence of personal achievement in their life; self support; consideration of others; voluntary or community work, or looking after family members who required care.
How to get help...
The Society aims to make the process of applying for assistance as easy and stress-free as possible. We do understand that personal pride and independence can deter someone from even making the first step towards getting help, and how at a later stage unhappy memories may be recalled when applicants are asked to explain how their circumstances have arisen.
We must, as a charity, however ask sometimes difficult questions if we are to ensure that funds are allocated to those who meet our criteria. We cannot simply take someone's word that they meet these criteria, and need to see certain documents before an application can be progressed.
Application forms are sent out along with an explanatory leaflet on our application process, and we are here to help with any questions applicants may have.
We regularly review the questions asked, and the guidance given, so that we can make this process as easy as possible.
