Help for older people in the St Albans District

Welcome. We are a friendly local charity which is here to help, financially, people who cannot easily afford what they need. The Trust gives grants for FREE items and services to people aged 60 or over, living within St Albans District, who are in need, hardship or distress. We approve most of the completed applications that we receive. There are no deadlines and we accept applications all year round.

Are you…

…aged 60 or over?

Anyone aged 60+

…living in St Albans District?

Anywhere within the district

…in need, hardship or distress?

Experiencing financial hardship

We approve most eligible, completed applications received.

News

New GMLF Small Grants Programme for Groups

Through the new Grace Muriel Legacy Fund small grants programme, constituted community groups, charities and other organisations which provide activities and services for residents aged 60 or over in the St Albans...

Christmas Gift – Supermarket Vouchers

If you are an existing client of the Trust and were invited to collect a supermarket voucher from us, but were unable to do so, please arrange to collect it within the next few weeks. You need to come to see us at...

Events

Money Advice Events in January 2026

Money Advice Events in January 2026

Come along and meet the Trust at two community events in January 2026 Money Advice Event - St Albans Wednesday 28 January  10am - 2pm: Council Chamber, St Albans City & District Council, Civic Centre Building,...

Launch of New Small Grants Programme for Groups

Representatives of charities and community organisations supporting older residents of St Albans District are invited to attend the launch of an exciting new £50,000 fund on Monday 26 January 4-6pm at the Jubilee...

Visit us at the Council Hub

We are at The Healthy Hub every Wednesday from 10am to 12.30pm for advice about the grants we offer and, if necessary, to give support completing the application form.

The Healthy Hub – St Albans
City & District Council, Civic Centre
St Albans AL1 3JE

FAQs

Here are the most common questions we receive. Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for more.
Do I need to pay the grant back: is it repayable?
No, you do not have to pay back the grants. It is not a repayable loan.
There are lots of people who are worse off than me — should I still apply?

Yes, we take into account not only your income, but also your whole circumstances, including monthly outgoings, including housing and care costs. The Trust approves most eligible, competed applications received, so if we approve your application it doesn’t mean that this will disadvantage another person who applies.

Do I need to be on benefits?

No, you do not need to be in receipt of benefits. You just need to be on a low income, whether from pensions, wages or benefits.

I am on Universal Credit, can I still apply?

Yes, however you must be 60 or over.

I am not old enough to get a pension, can I still apply?

Yes, as long as you are 60 or over you can apply. You will need to tell us how much you get from other income sources eg wages or Universal Credit, PIP, ESA etc.

Senior Couple

If you are 60+, resident in the St Albans District and not easily able to afford items or services please contact us.

07541 659442

grants.admin@staopt.org