Our work

Assistance is provided in a wide variety of ways. Grants are often made to relieve the pressure of priority debt arrears, particularly where there is a risk of eviction when small children are involved. With elderly beneficiaries the lack of any savings may mean that basic household appliances cannot be repaired or replaced so the Fund steps in to make sure these are provided.

Illness and disablement can require expensive changes to a person’s home, such as stair lifts, walk-in showers and provision for wheelchair access. Grants are provided to address these needs and help improve quality of life. Other examples of help given are holidays associated with convalescence or to give a carer a break.

Elderly former BT people, or their dependents, with very low incomes are given weekly grants of up to £50 a week whether living at home or in residential care.

The Fund also operates a Contact Scheme for BT Pensioners aged 75 and over. This provides advice and support to elderly people and also helps to identify cases for the Fund to consider.