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RBL advisor discussing everyday needs grants with applicant
  1. Financial and employment support
  2. Finance
  3. Grants

Cost of Living Grants

We know how tough things are at the moment, especially with the very large increases to the cost of living we are experiencing.

Because of this we have launched the Cost of Living Grants Programme. This programme is designed to allow us to assist people who need help in a quick and easy way with everyday essentials such as kitchen appliances, clothes, and energy costs.

This programme is open to anyone who is eligible for our support struggling to pay for items and services they need. And you can apply online the below link. We aim to assess your application within 5 days of submission.

Applying for the Cost of Living Grant

Apply here
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lightning logo

Apply for the Cost of Living Grant using the Lightning Reach portal.

This platform is provided by our trusted partner, Lightning Reach, a social impact start-up which uses secure technology to make the application process as quick and safe as possible for you.

A simple 3 step process

  1. Register and complete your profile here
    When asked if you or a member of your immediate family serve / have served in the Armed Forces, make sure to select ‘Yes’ to ensure you are matched to the Royal British Legion.
  2. Once you’ve completed your profile, you should receive a support match to the Royal British Legion. Click ‘continue’ to complete and submit your application.
  3. Provide your supporting evidence and submit your application to the Royal British Legion.

Once your application has been submitted a member of the grants team will be in touch with you within 5 working days.

 

Military widow and RBL beneficiary Frances Metcalf said,

‘My energy bills have increased by more than 100% in the past year. The cost of food is going up. Everything you can think of - interest rates, insurance. In February and March of this year I hardly turned the heating on and kept myself warm using a hot water bottle. The worry is the worst part. You can’t eat because of worry, and you don’t know which way to turn. The financial support the RBL has given me has helped no end - without it I would really struggle.’

Advice for creating a Lightning profile

The profile you create on the Lightning Reach portal can also help you to find and apply for support from other support providers easily and securely. We recommend that you submit your application to the Royal British Legion first before submitting applications to other organisations.

For help with completing your application, visit Lightning Reach Support and search for ‘Royal British Legion’.

Where possible, we will try to assist you based on the information in this application, however, there will be certain times where we think you may benefit from some more specialist assistance either through grants or one of our specialist services such as our Benefits, Debt and Money advice service. In these occasions we would ask for your permission to refer your case to another team.

If you need help with one of the following areas or if you need a decision in less than 5 days, please contact our contact centre via the details here.

  • Mobility equipment or adaptations
  • Help with a rental deposit or moving costs
  • Assistance to pay off debts
  • Visa and Immigration fees
  • If you have a very urgent need, for example have no access to food, energy or clothing

Discover more grants

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External grants

We provide grants to other not-for-profit organisations planning projects for the benefit of the Armed Forces community.

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Providing Employment Grants Assistance

Employment grants

Finding a job can be one of the hardest parts of leaving the Armed Forces, but we can help you to gain financial assistance to help you find suitable work.

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Help to get through a temporary crisis

Each year, our immediate needs grants scheme helps thousands of people through emergencies by providing an individual crisis grants.

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Mobility aids and equipment

We can also help you to get support or funding to adapt your home or receive new equipment so that you can safely and confidently get around.

More about this

Contact our team

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