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PRINTNaturally, people have questions before they apply to us for help. The PA to the Director of Casework is your first port of call. She says: "There are questions that all potential applicants ask me. The most frequent are listed below."
What is Elizabeth Finn Care and what do you do?
We are a charity that provides practical and financial support to people from a wide range of backgrounds. For more information about Elizabeth Finn Care, please visit about us.
What kind of people do you help?
We give help to people of British or Irish nationality who, broadly speaking, hold or have held jobs that require NVQ Level 4 or equivalent. This usually means anyone who has substantial training to do their job.
We also help older people who have inadequate pensions. We also help spouses or ex-spouses (retired or deceased), partners or ex-partners (retired or deceased) of anyone who matches our criteria.
Our beneficiaries are people who have slipped into poverty due to long-term physical or mental illness, family breakdown, bereavement or redundancy. If these aren't the main causes, they certainly make a situation worse.
For more information about our eligibility criteria, please visit eligibility guidelines.
What sort of help do you give?
The kind of help we give depends on individual circumstances. The most usual is a regular allowance transferred to your bank account once a month. The amount is carefully calculated so that it does not affect any other benefits that you might receive.
In addition to the regular allowance, in some circumstances, we award an Extra Needs Gift. This can be used to buy or replace a piece of household equipment, such as a washing machine.
Some beneficiaries might not have a supportive family or many friends. Regular contact with our well trained Caseworkers and Volunteer Visitors gives beneficiaries a support network to turn to if needed.
Do you help with holidays?
Unfortunately, we don't pay for holidays as a rule. However, we can help with convalescence or a respite break.
Can you help with bankruptcy charges, funeral costs or school or college fees?
We are sorry; we can't help with these costs. In some situations, we can help you find other sources of funding. For more information, please visit the Turn2Us website.
After the initial contact with Elizabeth Finn Care, what happens?
We will send you a comprehensive information booklet about who and how Elizabeth Finn Care helps. In the back of the information booklet, you will find a short form, which you must complete and return to apply for help.
To download a copy of our booklet, "Grants for People in Need", please visit Grants for People in Need. This booklet is available in a number of languages.
How long will it take to find out whether I'm eligible?
Once we receive your completed form, we can tell you immediately whether or not you are eligible.
If my application is accepted, how long will it take before I begin to receive help?
The process usually takes up to six weeks. First, the Case Worker who is assigned to assist you has to build up a case about your situation. They will need to contact the Department of Work and Pensions as well as your local Council to confirm other benefits and Council tax that you may receive.
The process also depends on the information you include on your application form. For instance, you might be eligible because your partner or ex-partner meets our criteria. Contact people to confirm such information takes time.
The more information you give us - such as occupations, copies of benefit letters, copies of bank statements and a copy of your passport, if needed - the quicker we can deal with your application.
Do you help with Care Home top-up fees?
Yes we do. There is a savings limit of £10,000 and the maximum we give is £50 per week.