1. Employment in the UK Social Care Sector

Applicants must work or have worked in the UK social care sector in a role that involves or supports the provision of adult, elderly, or disability care. Examples include:

  • Residential social care
  • Domiciliary/home care
  • Supported living care
  • Day care
  • Private care

 *Note: Employees of the NHS and nurses are not eligible for crisis grants from BWIC. NHS staff can seek financial support from organisations such as Cavell Nurses’ Trust, Royal College of Nursing, Healthcare Workers Foundation, and Junius Morgan.

2. Length of Employment

  • Currently Employed: A minimum of 1 year of service.
  • Previously Employed: At least 5 years of service within your lifetime.

3. Significant Changes in Circumstances (in the Last Year)

Applicants must have experienced a significant financial impact due to one or more of the following:

  • A sudden or unexpected loss of income
  • A sudden or unexpected illness or injury
  • A sudden or unexpected change in living circumstances or loss of home
  • A relationship breakdown
  • Domestic abuse
  • Bereavement (death of a close relative)
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4. Financial Threshold

You’ll start by shadowing an existing carer as you get acclimated.

  • Applicants’ income must not exceed 25% of the Minimum Income Standard (MIS), as defined by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. This standard identifies the income level required for a minimum acceptable living standard in the UK.
  • Household savings must be less than £2,000 for a single adult household or £4,000 for a couple.
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5. Entitlement to Means-Tested Benefits

  • Applicants must review their eligibility for means-tested benefits based on their changed circumstances.
  • Applicants must not be entitled to government benefits, such as having no recourse to public funds.
  • You can use the Turn2Us Benefits Checker or contact the Turn2Us helpline on 0808 802 2000.
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6. Previous Grants

Applicants must not have received a grant from The Care Workers Charity in the last 12 months.

7. Grant Amounts

    • Grants are usually capped at £250.
    • Grants for daily living costs are capped at £100.
    The grant may cover:
    • Daily living expenses
    • Essential white goods
    • Essential household items
    • Moving costs
    • Health improvement aids and adaptations
    • Travel expenses to hospital
    • Essential household repairs
    • Car repairs
    • Funeral costs
    • Bankruptcy or Debt Relief Order (DRO) application fees
    • Costs to prevent eviction
    We are unable to provide support for:
    • Consumer credit/debt repayments, payday loans, overdraft fees, or rent arrears
    • Legal fees or representation costs
    • Payment of fines
    • Purchasing a home
    • Private medical treatment
    • Private Education
    • University course fees (email for support with Health and Social Care Courses up to Level 5)
    • Carpets

8. Required Documents

  • Applicants must provide the following:

    Mandatory Documents:

    1. Proof of Employment History in the Care Sector (one document required):
    • Recent payslip, P60 form, or P45 form
    • Confirmation letter or offer letter from an employer stating the period of employment
    1. A Letter of Support:
    • This letter must confirm the applicant’s stated circumstances, the impact the grant would have, and additional details to support the application.
    • The letter should be written by a professional, such as a housing support worker, doctor, debt adviser, manager or senior colleague at work, or an agency like the Citizens Advice Bureau.
    • The letter must be signed and presented on headed paper.
    • Letters from friends or family members will not be accepted.

     

    Additional Evidence Depending on Circumstances:

    • Medical Confirmation of Illness or Injury:
    • SSP indicating time off work due to the health issue
    • Medical letter confirming the condition
    • Recommendations from a medical professional for mobility aids
    • If applying for funding towards home adaptations due to disability, evidence of a Disabled Facilities Grant application and a recent occupational therapist’s letter must be provided.
    • Repair Costs: Two contractor quotes.
    • Preventing Eviction: Proof of eviction proceedings.
    • Bankruptcy or DRO Requests: Letter from a debt adviser.
    • Moving Costs: New tenancy agreement and removal quotes.
    • Domestic Violence: Letter from a domestic violence support organisation.
    Funeral Costs: Funeral bill, statement of the remaining balance, and evidence of an application for the government’s Funeral Expenses Payment (if eligible).

9. How to Apply

  • Complete the application form online and upload the supporting documents. If you are unable to upload documents, they may be sent via email. The application form can be saved and resumed later.

    For accessibility issues due to disability, applicants are encouraged to seek assistance from a friend or agency (e.g., Citizens Advice). If additional help is needed, please contact [email protected].

    Assessment Process

    – Applications will only be assessed once all required documentation is received.

    – It typically takes 1–3 weeks to process applications.

    Assessments are conducted twice a month, on approximately the 1st and 15th of each month.

Please answer these questions below:

By submitting this application, I confirm that the information given in this application is, to the best of my knowledge, correct. I understand that any offer is subject to receipt of satisfactory references. I fully understand that if subsequently any information given is found to be false or misleading, the company reserves the right to withdraw its offer of employment or cancel any agreement made. I understand that if this is discovered at a later date, I may be dismissed.
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