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Can we help?

Worried about a sudden expense?

If you're going through a crisis and need help to meet unexpected expenses, the Legion might be able to help you. 

Each year our Immediate Needs Grants Scheme helps thousands of people through emergencies by providing small hardship grants. 

"I could not afford to replace my fridge freezer as it was old and beyond repair. You kindly financed a new one, I was delighted!"

What is it?

The Scheme doesn't provide cash, but can provide essentials for you and your household in times of need. 

A grant might be to cover the costs of something like:  

  • a funeral; 
  • furniture and household appliances;  
  • essentials, like food and clothing;  
  • mobility vehicles;  
  • adaptations to your home for a disability; or 
  • help getting into rented accommodation.

But we'll carefully consider the individual needs in most situations, so don't hesitate to get in touch. 

However, you should be aware that we are not able to help with the following:

  • where state assistance or statutory services are available
  • repayment of business debts
  • legal expenses, such as county costs and solicitors' fees
  • loans, other than Property Repair and Be the Boss loans
  • medical care. 

Am I eligible for help? 

If you're a Legion beneficiary (click here for further information) and you fulfil our welfare needs and financial criteria, we'll consider you for a grant. 

How to find out more

Call us!

Our friendly Legionline operators are ready to talk to you. You can call them on 08457 725 725

Or email us at info@britishlegion.org.uk

Case study - Tyler Christopher

Tyler Christopher27 year-old soldier L/Cpl Tyler Christopher currently serving in the 4th Battallion The Rifles in the Army was injured by an IED in Afghanistan in 2009.  As a result of the blast he had to have both legs amputated above the knee, as well as nearly losing his arm and suffering abdominal injuries.  

During Tyler's rehabilitation the Legion provided a handy man service to carry out essential and urgent home adaptations to his Mum's home. 

"Changes to my mum's home were essential for me, but also for my mum when I was home from Headley Court, and I'll never forget that the Legion got the job done as quickly as possible to make life at that time easier for me.

"Both myself and my girlfriend are grateful for the support of the Legion and hope to some day set up our own business - something we know the Legion is also able to help with through its funding."