Age Concern Dorchester - Information & Advice
Our Information & Advice section includes a selection of topics, some which we think you will find useful and some based on questions we have been asked before placed here for your benefit. We can provide information and give advice on the subjects introduced here. Select from the articles below or the menu on the left under the Information and Advice link.
We also have an Information and Advice telephone line you can call. Please call 01305 269444 and we shall see if we can help.
The Civil Service Benevolent Fund
The Fund offers a number of services which you may find useful. By far the most common is the need for financial assistance. Last year, they provided more than £4.65 million to over 7,000 people. If you find yourself unable to cope financially – they may be able to help.
"We are the charity for all current, former, and retired civil servants who are struggling".
They are able to give financial assistance to people depending on their particular circumstances. Every application is treated solely on the basis of need, and you do not have to be a donor to the Fund to get help. In some emergencies a payment can be made within 24 hours of the application.
Are You Eligible?
If you are a civil servant, or work for an Associated Organisation, then you are eligible to apply for help from the Fund. They have compiled lists of all the current civil service departments, and associated organisations, for you to look through. However, if your organisation does not appear here, it does not mean necessarily that you are not eligible to apply for help.
Equally, if you are a retired, or former, employee of a civil service department or associated organisation, you can also apply for assistance. Financial dependants of current and former civil servants, or staff from associated organisations, are eligible to apply too.
If you aren't certain, give them a call: 0800 056 2424, visit their website or E-mail them.
