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, care alarm.
One-off deep clean in exceptional circumstances.
Grants
Grants towards travel expenses to hospital (if other free options are not suitable).
Small home repairs
Small plumbing repairs and 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.
Mobility aids
Walking frame, wheelchair, mobility scooter.
Pest control
E.g. a rodent infestation.
TV licence
If over 75 and up to £20 over the 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.
Boilers
Boiler Servicing: FREE annual service and small repairs. Replacement Boiler: a contribution towards the replacement of a broken boiler. You first need to have applied to all other schemes e.g. ECO, ECHO, Warmer Homes, or that of your own energy provider each of which have eligibility criteria.
What we CAN’T pay for
Under age 60
Anything for a person under the age of 60. We cannot make any exceptions.
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
Holidays
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:
