We welcome applications from individuals, or their family and neighbours - most often we are contacted by members of the caring professions and voluntary organisations.

AFTAID consider applications for a wide variety of grant requests, there are many reasons why an older person may find themselves financially stretched beyond their means to the point of genuine distress. Emergencies are a fact of life, but for those we help a drama really is a crisis. We pride ourselves on our almost unique ability to provide grant aid swiftly where necessary.

We do have a strict but simple criteria which should not put anyone off applying, it exists to safeguard against incorrect claims and to ensure our precious donations are distributed wisely. To be able to make any grant we need to have as much information as possible and you will need written support from your Social Worker, Doctor or similar professional of the official care services.

We do receive referrals from charities who are not able to assist with aid themselves and we must stress that our simple procedure is necessary in all cases.

Basic qualification criteria

Although we endeavour to be flexible, it is expected that the following criteria be met.
The beneficiary of the grant MUST be:
- of state pensionable age (60 years old for women and 65 for men)
- a UK citizen, residing in the UK
- on a lower income and have minimal savings
Please note we do not make grants for ongoing or retrospective payments, nor can we consider repayment of debts.

How to apply

Please make sure the beneficiary meets the above basic criteria and then click here (or below) to open an email to us requesting we send an application form by return email. The form requests the fundemental information required for us to be sure the call upon our funds is appropriate. Applicants are also requested to include with their application some written support from care professionals (Doctor, Social Worker etc.) who are personally aware of the beneficiary's situation.

Once all the pertinent information has been gathered and verified, a decision is made as quickly as possible. All applicants should be aware that we have to check the information provided, to protect AFTAID and its supporters from fraudulant claims.

If you have any questions

We are happy to answer any questions you may have either by email click here, or write or telephone/fax:

Grant Application Dept., AFTAID - Aid for the Aged in Distress,
18 Hand Court, High Holborn, London WC1V 6JF

Tel: 0870 803 1950
Fax: 0870 803 2128

AFTAID has provided grant aid for many and varied items

Nearly anything which is required to take away hardship from the day to day life of an older person. In recent years grants have been made to provide, or help in the purchase of:

Mobility scooters
Walk-in showers
Radiators
Cookers
Refridgerators
Washing machines
Beds
Bedding
Clothing
Rise/recliner chair
Tumble drier
Small Emergency House Repairs
Carpeting
Essential or Emergency House Cleaning
Microwave
Rewiring
Central Heating Boiler
Video Intercom
Installation of phone line
TFT Magnifier
'Blind' software for PC
Wheelchair powerpack
Wheelchair access Ramp
Bath Lift

For more information:

A history of AFTAID
Full story...

Message from the Chair
Full story...
Meet the Trustees
Full story...
Our newsletter
The Bright Side
Full story...
AFTAID in print
Full story...
Beneficiaries say
Thank You
Full story...
Open door contributions
Full story...

Or click to email for specific information.