The Royal British Legion has welcomed a grant of £100,000 for its Benefits, Debt and Money and Advice Service from the National Lottery. The award from the Coronavirus Community Support Fund will be used to continue to provide much needed support to people in the Armed Forces Community facing hardship in the current economic crisis.
With more people than ever facing additional money worries as a result of the pandemic, the Legion’s team of expert financial advisors have been offering specialist advice to guide people through new legislation and support measures available. The grant will be used to provide serving personnel, veterans and dependants with access to the advice service throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The Royal British Legion’s Benefits, Debt and Money and Advice Service Manager Jennie Anderson said:
“This grant will be a great help as we work to support those in the armed forces community whose finances and livelihoods are being impacted by Coronavirus every day. The money will help us to provide expert support from our team of advisors who are available in across the UK and via our Contact Centre.
We have expanded and adapted our Benefits, Debt and Money Advice Service to meet increased demand as a result of Covid 19 providing support through telephone and video calls. People are coming to us for help who have never had to use the benefits system before and simply don’t know where to begin. We are helping more people than ever to navigate the system and access the financial help they so desperately need.”
The service has secured £60 million worth of debts written off, income maximised and benefits gained since it began in 2007.
The Royal British Legion’s Assistant Director for Quality, Performance and Information for Health and Social Care, Daniel Elser said:
“This award from the National Lottery Coronavirus Community Support Fund is particularly welcome as we continue to deal with the impact of Covid-19 on the Armed Forces Community. It will help our hugely dedicated staff continue to provide expert advice and guidance to those facing financial hardship, many of whom are finding themselves in this situation for the first time.
Since the pandemic began, the health and well-being of the people we support remains our priority. The impact of Coronavirus is being felt by people across all generations, including our younger veterans, who may now find themselves in a position where they are in need of financial support. We are very grateful to the National Lottery for their support during this most difficult of times.”
The Royal British Legion’s expert benefits, debt and money advisors and financial support services are available to all Service and ex Service personnel and their families. The service can be reached by calling 0808 802 8080.