Central Fund
About
Our Central Fund is here to support you if you are facing financial difficulties.
The Fund can help you with the following costs:
- Priority debts (rent, mortgage, council tax, energy bills)
- Debt relief orders or bankruptcy fees
- Rent deposits
- Funeral costs
- Household goods
- Home repairs
- Mobility aids
- Disability adaptations
- Selected medical treatment
- Unforeseen emergencies
Unfortunately, RBF is unable to help with non-priority debts (i.e. credit cards, historical debts, unsecured loans, overdrafts) or care home fees.
Am I eligible?
The criteria to apply for the Central Fund is as follows:
- You have at least one year’s service as a current railway worker, and a minimum of five year’s service for former and retired railway workers
- You have less than £2,000 in capital if a single person, or less than £3,000 if a couple (including the value of any assets i.e. shares, second properties, land)
Spouses and widows of railway workers can also apply for support, and next of kin of railway workers may also apply for support towards funeral costs.
Please note that you can only apply for one Central Fund grant within a two year period.
How much will I receive?
The amount awarded for the Central Fund is calculated on a case by case basis. This will be discussed with your caseworker during the application process.
How do I apply?
It’s quick and easy to apply. Please click on the link below to apply online.
If you require an application form by post please contact our office on 0345 241 2885 or email support@railwaybenefitfund.org.uk
Along with the application form we will require the following supporting documentation:
- Proof of railway employment such as a payslip, P60, pension letter, rail pass etc
- Proof of income e.g. wage slip, benefit letters etc
- One month’s bank statement from all accounts held by yourself and any spouse/partner
- Information relevant to your needs such as quotes, proof of debts, medical evidence etc
It takes around 2 weeks for applications to be reviewed.
Submitting Bank Statements
You can now provide bank statements securely and conveniently in one of two ways:
- Using our secure online connection through Lightning Reach – This method allows you to share your financial information directly from your bank, safely and quickly. It reduces paperwork and speeds up the application process.
- Uploading copies of your bank statements – If you prefer, you can still upload digital copies (such as PDFs). If you would like to submit postal copies please contact the office.
You will be asked on the application form which method you prefer.
What is Lightning Reach and how does it work?
Lightning Reach provides a secure and simple way to share your bank statements directly with us, without the need to upload or email documents. By logging into Lightning Reach, you will be guided through a quick and easy process to connect your accounts, allowing us to review the necessary financial information to assess your application. Lightning Reach uses the latest technology to process your information securely. Your data is protected, and we can only access the last three months of statements—we cannot make any changes to your account or see anything beyond this period. Please see our privacy policy to learn more how your data is handled.
Further support
All applications are offered a check of entitlements including benefits, government support, as well as other charities that may assist along with referrals and signposting to other services that can help.
If you have any queries or require assistance with completing the form please contact us on 0345 241 2885 or email us.
