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.

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.

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.

The rules: 

  • All applications 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 via in-app purchases and online betting websites may result in your application being rejected.  

  • All supporting documentation must be supplied 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. 

  • Applications for support as a direct result of a physical attack or assault within the workplace must have occurred in the last three months.

  • All decisions regarding financial aid are final and cannot be appealed; an application is not a guarantee of an award. All applications are carefully considered, but the Retail Trust reserves the right to prioritise those with the most urgent needs. 

For more information on financial aid support from the Retail Trust, visit our frequently asked questions page.

What will you need to apply?  

  • Details of your retail-related employment, including names and dates of employment.   

  • Details about your household monthly income and expenditure

  • Copies of your most recent payslips and bank statement dated within the last 90 days.

  • Reason for your application and what you need financial assistance for, including any supplier quotations in support of your application. 

  • Proof of authorisation (case worker applications only)

If you are a caseworker applying on behalf of an applicant, you will also need to upload a signed letter of consent to confirm that you have the client’s authorisation to apply on their behalf.

Click here for more information about caseworker applications.

For more information on the documents required please visit our frequently asked questions page.

How long will it take to get a decision? 

The Retail Trust aims to approve successful applications within a maximum of 14 business days.  To avoid any unnecessary delays in processing your application, please ensure you provide all supporting documents, such as proof of service, payslips and financial statements, as well as any relevant supplier quotes.

Although we are unable to fast-track requests for support, all applications are 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. 

For more information on financial aid support from Retail Trust visit our frequently asked questions page.

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