What we fund
The Trust can give grants for a very wide range of items and services. If you need something that is not on the list, please check the ‘What we can’t pay for’ section below, or contact us to ask. Some people only need one thing, e.g. to replace a broken cooker, whereas other people may need a range of items and services all at once.
We respond to the needs that you tell us you have.
Who we use
The tradespeople and suppliers that we use are signed up to our Code of Conduct. Cleaning staff will have a DBS check via their employer. Wherever possible we use local tradespeople that we know and trust.
What we CAN pay for
Household items
Bed, reclining chair, cooker, washing machine, tumble drier, fridge, freezer, furniture, hoover etc.
Services
Regular cleaning, meals on wheels for a limited period. Installation of keysafe for care alarm (but not ongoing costs of care alarm monitoring).
One-off deep clean in exceptional circumstances.
Support with Travel Costs
Grants towards travel expenses to hospital (if other free/low cost options are not suitable). You may be able to apply for the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS), part of the NHS Low Income Scheme which also covers other expenses such as prescriptions and glasses. Call 0300 330 1343
Small handyman jobs
Small handyman jobs
Flooring
Replacement of worn carpet, or if moving to new premises without any flooring.
Removals
Contribution to removals costs
Personal items
Clothing, warm coat, glasses, supportive shoes or boots. You will need to remind your optician if you are on Pension Credit that you are eligible for a discount voucher.
Mobility aids
Walker, wheelchair, mobility scooter.
Pest control
E.g. a rodent infestation.
TV licence
Free TV licence if over 75 and up to £20 over the income limit for receiving Pension Credit.
Funeral.
Contribution to costs. We will first ask you to apply to the Government Bereavement Service for a grant. If you are eligible the Government grant is often between £1000 and £2500 and you should hear within 4 weeks.
What we CAN’T pay for
Under 60
Anything for a person under the age of 60. We cannot make any exceptions.
Boiler Issues
Boiler issues. As of October 2023, we no longer provide free annual boiler services, boiler repairs or contributions to replacement boilers. We suggest you contact St Albans Home Energy Support Service, run by Better Homes Better Health, on 0800 107 0044. www.bhbh.org.uk They, or Citizens Advice can give you information on sources of grants for boilers.
Sudden major home emergencies
Emergencies with utilities such as water leaks, gas leaks or power failures. We do not have access to tradespeople who can attend on the same day. Please contact your utility provider
Building works
Large scale building works or structural house repairs e.g. roofing repairs, rewiring of a house, replacing doors and windows.
Adaptions to the home
Disability adaptions to the home e.g. wet rooms. St Albans Council has a Disability Facilities Grant – please contact the Council
Care costs or Respite Care
Bills
The Trust does not pay bills. However we may be able to provide a supermarket voucher to help with the cost of living. We will suggest that you contact Citizens Advice, who may be able to support you to negotiate with your supplier.
Items which your landlord or housing provider should pay for.
Stairlift
Regular gardening or fence repair/replacement.
Got Questions?
Some of the most common questions we receive are answered on our Frequently Asked Questions page — check it out:
