Welfare Grants

Welfare Grants is sponsored by The Furniture Makers' Company. This charity supports the welfare of employees in the furnishing industry, past and present.

Welfare and charity support - The Furniture Makers' Company We’re there for anything that life throws at you, from a minor bump in the road to a major crisis. We hope you never need to contact us but we're here if you do. Watch how we helped Blaine Supporting You in your hour of need If you work or have worked in the UK furnishing industry, you may qualify to receive financial support and guidance to help you through a difficult time.

Support when YOU need it the most! Our charity has been supporting the welfare of employees in the furnishing industry, past and present, for 120 years. If your financial situation has changed and you are struggling to pay your bills, if you work or have worked in the UK furnishing industry you may be eligible for a grant.

Grants can be awarded for: • Essential household items • Essential household bills • Property repairs considered essential due to age, security or access • Disabled / medical equipment • Respite / convalescent breaks • General financial hardship • Pre-tenancy costs and removal costs Grant Application Form and Guidelines The grant came as wonderful news at a moment when I was in dire straits. I can’t thank you enough.

It’s so simple to apply for support We have tried to make the process of applying for support from us as easy as possible. Download a brochure and application form, or if you would prefer us to post out a form to you, please call our welfare officer on 020 7562 8528. Complete the application form and post or email it to us, together with a copy of a recent bank statement and evidence of your employment within the furnishings industry.

Once we have all the information we need, we aim to let you have a decision within two weeks. Am I eligible to apply for support? What kind of help do you offer?

How will a grant be paid? Why do you ask to see my bank statement? If you award me a grant, will I have to pay anything back?

What if I don’t work in the furnishings industry now? Will my employer have to know that I have applied for help? Am I eligible to apply for support?

To be eligible for financial assistance, you must normally have a minimum of two years’ employment service in any capacity within the UK furnishing industry. This includes companies manufacturing/supplying furniture, kitchens or bathrooms; furniture stores such as DFS, Ikea, Argos; carpet sales or fitting; beds, curtains and upholstery. What kind of help do you offer?

We can award a grant for a wide range of purposes and each application will be considered individually. As a guide, we often help with essential household bills, such as rent/mortgage, council tax, gas and electricity. Or with replacement items such as cooker, fridge or washing machine.

How will a grant be paid? In many cases our grant will be paid to the creditor, supplier or contractor. This is so that we do not affect any state or local benefits that you might apply for such as universal credit or council tax support.

Why do you ask to see my bank statement? As a charity, we need to ensure that our funds go to those most in need. We understand that you may have some savings and this will not necessarily mean that we can’t help you, but we will take your whole situation into account.

If you award me a grant, will I have to pay anything back? No. Our grants are not loans and we will never ask you to pay money back. What if I don’t work in the furnishings industry now?

You can still apply to us, as long as you have previously worked in the industry for at least two years. Will my employer have to know that I have applied for help? No. Our service is entirely confidential, and we will never approach your employer unless you ask us to contact them to confirm your employment.

We do ask for evidence that you have worked in the furnishings industry, but you can supply evidence such as pay slips, P60 or contract of employment. The furnishing industry employs around 338,000 people across manufacturing, retail, design and teaching, and in every sector from home, office and garden furniture, fabrics, carpets, flooring, and lighting, to wall coverings, kitchens, bathrooms, and interior design.

And from time to time, someone will need financial assistance or advice. We are here to help when you need it most – whether you or your partner still work within the industry or did in the past. You could have a young family or you might have retired.

Or sadly your partner was in the industry but they have now passed away. You might need a grant for essential home repairs or a contribution towards specialised equipment, help with the costs of a respite break or replacing a worn-out fridge. Every story is different and we assess each application with care and consideration.

Occasionally it is more appropriate to refer those in need of assistance to specialist charities. We have good relationships with a number of UK charities and can put you in touch with the right person if your case requires it.

Fashion & Textile Children's Trust Remember, if you are unsure about your application or where is best to apply for support, simply give us a ring and we will be more than happy to help you out: 020 7256 5954 Application Form and Guidelines If you feel ready to get in touch then apply for support with us today. Fill out the form below and let’s get started.

If you would like more information about a financial grant, please contact our welfare officer, Maureen Baker. Encouraging the next generation Our prestigious Guild Marks and Awards Supporting those who work in the industry