The Conservative Agents' Benevolent Association wishes to be as helpful as possible and to support as many colleagues who qualify and are able to prove need.
So that the charity can do this, the following basic principles apply:
All applicants for grants are fully assessed for need, even if they are only applying for one item. Grant policy is reviewed annually. Existing beneficiaries have to apply annually for grants in writing.
All applicants should be a * or ** Agent or dependant of a * or ** Agent qualifying up to 2009 who worked, or is still working, for the Conservative Party.
Regular support is based on need, calculated using independent third-party research, and slightly adapted to suit the needs of our beneficiaries, who are professionals and mainly retired. In broad terms, we are most likely to be able to help single people with an income of around £17,000, and couples with an income of up to £23,000.
The application should be made to the Hon Secretary by phone, email or letter in the first instance. You will then be advised if you are likely to qualify for support and advised how best to proceed.
Those who are awarded a monthly grant, known as Full Beneficiaries, may, entirely at the discretion of the Trustees, be awarded an additional grant for need. This figure changes annually. The sum is paid in two equal halves in June and November.
The charity also provides Full Beneficiaries with Newspaper Vouchers. Bills for these vary considerably and can change annually, and amounts vary according to individuals' payment methods. Applicants send one bill, from which the annual payments are calculated.
Special Requests for Additional Grants from Full Beneficiaries
In order to speed up the purchase of items needed quickly the following items and maximum payments apply subject to quotes reported to the next meeting of the Trustees.
- Low Vision Aids: would be supported subject to quotes.
- Mobility Equipment: Stair Lifts, mobility scooters grab rails, and similar aids are subject to quote and difficulty of installation. The installation of Stair Lifts, outright cost or rental can be met.
- Mobility scooters, outright costs or rental can be met.
- Call Alarms: the charity recommends a call alarm but the individual choice would be respected. Running costs if applicable are paid. We strongly recommend call alarms for safety reasons
The Committee considers applications for white goods, household repairs, and other specific requests on an individual basis from Full Beneficiaries. There is a schedule of appropriate items and the maximum cost that the charity will pay. Decisions on these items can be made very quickly as they can be urgent.
No expenditure should be incurred until the charity has confirmed reimbursement will be made.
The Conservative Agents' Benevolent Association regrets that it cannot pay for or contribute to Nursing Home Fees or make loans.