Charitable Services
Annuity Fuel Scheme
- The Annuity Fuel scheme is designed to provide a heating allowance from October to March, mainly to over 65s who are living at home.
- The client’s Rector/Minister refers all applications to Protestant Aid.
- Each year, Rectors/Ministers who already have clients on the scheme are sent details of their current recipients and are requested to advise the PA office of any changes and if they are still deserving cases.
- Utilities such as the Electricity/Gas Board receive a cheque on behalf of the client in October and again in March. Some clients may receive a similar value personal cheque towards coal/oil.
Annuities for the Elderly
The Annuity Grant scheme is designed to add to the quality of life of individuals or married couples aged over 65, living at home or in Sheltered Housing, through the provision of financial aid by way of a quarterly grant.
All applications for annuities are identified through the General Grant Scheme, which are sent to Protestant Aid by clergy.
These applications should include a full case history of background, present circumstances and need. Potential new annuitants are visited by Protestant Aid’s Manager-Charitable Services.
Applicants who own a house/property may be asked to sign a Promissory Note agreeing that the full amount received (through annuities) will be recoverable from their estate.
Education Support
School Fees Grant
- This scheme is intended to support fees only for second level students. If the application is successful, the payment will issue direct to the school/college.
- All applicants should be in receipt of an SEC grant.
- All Protestant students attending fee-paying Schools are eligible to apply for this grant.
School Expenses Grant
- An additional grant for general school expenses e.g. books, uniform and travel, may be available where there is evidence of real financial hardship.
- This grant, if awarded, will issue separately to the School Fees Grant and will be sent direct to the parents/guardian.
- Protestant Aid will assess the information within the application and allocate as necessary.
- All Protestant students attending any Protestant-managed fee-paying School are eligible to apply for this grant.
General Grants
- The aim of the General Grant scheme is to give financial assistance to individuals or families at a time of acute need.
- Applications are received through clergy or social workers who should give as much information as possible in their report – the clearer the pen-picture, the more generous the Charity Committee can be.
- Only in exceptional cases will more than one application per client be accepted each year. In some instances, however, the Charity Committee may earmark a particular case of hardship for a ‘Christmas top-up’.
All requests for financial assistance are treated with the utmost confidentiality.