Benevolence

Notes for SSAFA and TRBL Caseworkers

All caseworker are advised that HQ REA have strict eligibility rules and criteria for verifying service in the Corps of Royal Engineers for those applying for financial assistance through the REA benevolence system.

Verification of Service (VOS) criteria

Queries about our VOS criteria should be directed to the Controller of the REA.

What can the REA assist with?

Please download the following document for more information:Benevolence Guidelines

How to apply for benevolence assistance

Please download the following document for more information:How to Apply for Benevolence

Benevolence expenditure

The tables below shows the number and expenditure Individual Benevolence Cases Considered during 2017- 2014

Category	2017	2016	2015	2014
Disabled & Illness	163	174	175	202
Aged	32	53	71	63
Widows	51	55	86	78
Unemployed	119	107	118	137
Miscellaneous	129	136	149	171
Grants not made	51	40	51	68
Totals	545	565	650	719

Regular – Reserve Case Comparisons

2017

2016

2015

2014

Regular Cases

Reservist Cases

450

540

605

666

Regular Grants

Reservist Grants

£255,169

£16,614

£260,925

£10,145

£282,412

£20,318

£287,855

£18,217

Some recent cases with which we have assisted

Some examples of benevolence grants made in January 2018:

Spr – The REA Assistant Controller authorised a grant of £3,250 to assist towards a replacement boiler and Council Tax arrears.

Spr – The REA Assistant Controller authorised a grant of £681 to assist towards white and brown goods.

Widow of a Spr – The REA Assistant Controller authorised a grant of £864 to assist towards an EPV.

Cpl – The REA Assistant Controller authorised a grant of £250 to assist towards course fees.

WO2 – The REA Assistant Controller authorised a grant of £500 to assist towards a stairlift.

LCpl – The REA Assistant Controller authorised a grant of £400 to assist laying the wife of a former sapper to rest.

Wife of a LCpl – The REA Assistant Controller authorised a grant of £1,000 to assist towards rent arrears.

Thank you letters

Content to follow

Main Service Charities

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, exists to relieve need, suffering and distress amongst the Armed Forces, veterans and their families in order to support their independence and dignity.
https://www.ssafa.org.uk/

We give a lifetime of support to soldiers and veterans from the British Army, and their immediate families, when they are in need. We make grants to individuals through their Regiments and Corps and support a wide range of specialist charities that sustain the British Army ‘family’, both at home and around the world.https://www.soldierscharity.org/#

We help members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans and their families all year round. We also campaign to improve their lives, organise the Poppy Appeal and remember the fallen.https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/

We put veterans and their families in touch with the organisations best placed to help with the information, advice and support they need – from healthcare and housing to employability, finances, personal relationships and more.https://www.veteransgateway.org.uk/