Red Cross and Moray Council join forces with Covid support fund
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MORAY Council is working in partnership with the British Red Cross to support the most financially impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
The British Red Cross has provided a hardship fund which provides short term financial help for people who cannot afford essentials such as food and toiletries, somewhere safe to sleep, access to a telephone/internet and fuel to keep the lights on, cook or stay warm.
This hardship funding can help those who have no income, savings or welfare support (such as benefits or tax credits) or are experiencing delays to access income or welfare support
However, those in employment or are receiving one of a variety of forms of financial support are not eligible.
To apply for a grant a person must fall into at least one of a number of risk groups.
Payment of £120 will be made by way of a pre-payment card which will be posted out normally within five days of a referral to British Red Cross being made. The card must then be activated by the recipient by following the instructions on the welcome letter sent with it. The card can only be activated and used by the recipient named on it.
If the reason for hardship is likely to be longer term, for example more than a month, a further payment of £120 will be made four weeks after activation. The final payment will arrive four weeks after that.
Anyone accessing support form the Money Advice Moray (MAM) team will automatically be considered for this hardship fund and, if eligible, they will make a referral to the British Red Cross on the invidual's behalf. The MAM team will need verbal consent before making the referral and they will advise as to the information passed to the British Red Cross in order that payment can be awarded.
To receive help from the MAM team and be considered for the British Red Cross Hardship Fund please telephone 0300 123 4563. Support services should complete a referral form.
The MAM team can also help people maximise their income though benefits, help with budgeting, and managing bills and debts. They will also refer applicant to any other support service or available funding that is appropriate.
Appointments with the MAM team are all telephone based at this time.
For more information or to apply, click here.
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