What we can and can't help with | Charity for Civil Servants

What we cover

If you are thinking about applying for help, please read this first.

We may be able to support you with unexpected, one-off financial costs. Unfortunately, we’re not able to help with ongoing financial difficulties or costs that have already been paid.

We understand that everyone’s situation is different, so every application is considered carefully, taking your individual circumstances into account.

You may also be able to access support from other sources, such as benefits, your local council, or other charities.

Essential Household Items

We may be able to help with some essential items for your home such as fridges, cookers and beds. If you own your property and need a new boiler, we may also be able to help with this.

Support if your health is affecting your finances

If ill health is making it difficult to manage your finances, we can explore helping you with essential costs and financial pressures.

Essential bills and arrears

We may be able to provide advice and / or financial assistance with essential household arrears such as Council Tax arrears, depending on your circumstances. For more information and support with managing debt, please see our Types of debt section.

Independent living and mobility equipment

We can look at helping where the NHS or your local council is not available, and a recommendation has been made by an Occupational Therapist or other medical professional.

Support may include assistive technology such as personal alarms, door sensors, and bed sensors.

Unexpected costs or change in circumstances

We are here to support you with unexpected costs, such as travel, hospital visits, or removal expenses if you need to move home.

If you own your property, we may also be able to consider support towards essential household repairs in the UK where these are unexpected and not covered by insurance. This does not include repairs resulting from general wear and tear.

Funeral expenses

We can consider help towards funeral expenses in the UK if you are the next of kin and there is no insurance cover or estate to cover the costs. Please see our factsheet (pdf) for more information.

Wellbeing advice or counselling

We work with specialist organisations which provide advice and counselling support. We may be able to help if you are struggling to pay for this.

Costs of caring

We can look at one-off support towards care top up fees. Please call us first to discuss on 0800 056 2424 (Monday to Friday 10am to 1pm).

Motability vehicles

We may be able to help towards the advance payment for a motability vehicle if you have applied for support through a motability charitable grant scheme. Please see our factsheet (pdf) for more information.

What we don't cover

Where you are having ongoing financial difficulties, we can offer our Money Advice Service for advice about budgeting.

While the list below outlines some areas we can’t support with directly, we’re here to listen and help in any way we can. Please feel free to get in touch.

Previously paid bills or purchases

This isn’t something we’re able to support with if the bill or item has already been paid for, including where money has been borrowed.

Non-priority debts (e.g. loans, credit cards, hire purchase)

We’re not able to help with these types of debts. You may find it helpful to speak to one of our Money Advisers, who can support you in managing your debts.

Advance rent or deposit for a new property

We’re not able to help with advance rent or deposits for a new property. We may be able to support you with related costs, such as removal expenses.

Legal costs and advice

We don’t cover legal costs, including visas, passports, or solicitors’ fees, and we’re not able to advise on Civil Service employment disputes. For general information on legal issues, please see our Law Express app.

Repairs or improvements in rented properties

We’re not able to help with repairs or improvements in rented properties, as these are usually the responsibility of the landlord. You may find it helpful to contact Shelter for advice on your rights and your landlord’s responsibilities.

Private medical treatment

We’re not able to cover the cost of private medical treatment.

Buying a home and associated repairs

We’re not able to help with any costs involved in buying a property. We’re also unable to support with repairs if the property requires work after purchase.

Motor vehicles

We’re not able to help with any costs relating to buying a car or other motor vehicle.

Education costs

We don’t cover private, further, or higher education costs, including tuition fees and equipment. You may wish to check with your school, college, or university to see what support may be available.

Loss of earnings due to strike action

We don’t help with loss of earnings due to strike action. Please check with your union to see if they can support you.

Payment of fines

We’re not able to pay fines. However, our Money Advisers can offer advice on how to manage and deal with these situations.

Vet Bills

We’re not able to cover the cost of veterinary treatment or any other expenses related to pet care. If these costs are causing you financial difficulty, we can look at your overall circumstances to see whether we may be able to offer support or guidance in another way.

Repatriation of a person or deceased person

We’re not able to assist with repatriation costs.

What you need to know before you apply

Am I eligible?

We support current former and retired civil servants and their dependants.

Am I eligible?

Savings limit

To be eligible for financial assistance, your savings or capital cannot exceed £6000. Here’s what this means.

Will you help me if I have savings?

How to apply

All your questions answered about the process of applying for support.

How to apply for help

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What we can and can’t help with