The Emergency Financial Aid (Household) benefit is a discretionary, non-repayable cash grant of up to £750. It is designed to support members who have experienced a sudden and serious household incident and are struggling financially as a result. Awards are considered on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed.
This is a discretionary benefit and members can apply for it from day one of their membership.* Submitting an application does not guarantee that a grant will be awarded.
Applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis against the following criteria (although these are not exhaustive), and other relevant factors may also be taken into account when determining whether support will be provided.
• That the member’s home has recently been affected by a sudden and serious household emergency, such as a fire or flood, resulting in poor living conditions.
• That the need for support is immediate.
• That the cash grant will not be used for something that will be covered by an insurance policy pay out.
• That the member has already explored opportunities for Benevolence Grant support through their local Branch.
The amount of any award, and whether an award is made, is entirely at the Society's discretion.
How to apply
The first step is to contact your Branch Secretary to discuss your situation. They can also send you an Emergency Financial Aid (Household) application form. You will need to supply supporting information about your household emergency and a home visit may be required.
Emergency Financial Aid application forms should be sent to your Branch Secretary and not to the Oddfellows’ central office in Manchester.
Find out how to contact your Branch Secretary.
Your Branch will update you on the outcome of your application once it has been assessed. The Society reserves the right to approve, decline or limit any award in accordance with the circumstances of the application and the scheme criteria.
Not yet an Oddfellows member? Help during difficult times is just one of the many benefits of Oddfellows membership. Discover other ways in which we can help you get even more out of life.
*Terms and conditions apply to all Oddfellows benefits, which are non-contractual and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Financial benefits are awarded at the Society's discretion, not guaranteed, and claim applications may be declined. For full details, visit the member benefit terms and conditions page.
The grant enabled us to furnish our alternative accommodation with vital household equipment – like a fridge, washing machine and even camp beds.
