Application guidance

We will ask for your last six months' payslips. If you are no longer working, we may also ask for an HMRC report or P60.

We will ask to see bank statements for all your accounts for you and anyone you live with as a couple, including bank statements for any accounts held in a child's name who is under the age of 18, for the last 3 months as we need to verify all household income, expenditure and savings. We will require all your partners statements too.

We have an easy way for you to share this with us using open banking. We use the Joseph Rowntree Foundation Minimum Income Standard to calculate your income and expenditure so we don't judge how you spend your money. We won't look to see where you shop, what you eat or if you have pets. We just need to see that you meet the Minimum Income Standard.

If you are in receipt of Universal Credit we will need to see a PDF full statement of your last monthly award.

What we ask for will depend on why you have applied. Please go to the reasons section to what we might ask for.

1. Before uploading your documents, please read carefully to see what has been requested
2. Check your evidence is the most recent or correct time period and shows the date
3. Does it show your current address?
4. Does it show your name or someone in the household?
5. Does it show the amount of money you receive?
6. Is the image clear? If you can't read it, we won't be able to
7. Is the whole document visible? We will need to see the whole page

Evidence needed for employment:

If you are currently employed in grocery and have been for at least six months, your last six months of payslips (if paid weekly, one for each month) including your most recent. OR your last P60 and most recent payslip.

If you are currently off sick from work, please provide your last six months payslips so we can clearly evidence your loss of income.

If you are no longer working, was your last job in the grocery industry, and can you provide evidence of at least five years of experience in this field?

In addition, your grocery employment must have ended for one of the following:

• Retirement
• Illness demonstrated by disability benefits
• Caring for a household member who is ill or disabled
• Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment Rights (TUPE)
• Redundancy and in receipt of out of work benefits

You will need an HMRC report to apply. In addition, if your report contains any Agency work in grocery you will need to request evidence from the Agency that this work was in grocery.

The quickest way to get an HMRC report is to apply online as below, if you don't have online access please click here. Please be aware this may take up to six weeks.

If you have access to a mobile device, you can download the HMRC app to access your employment and income history for the previous five years. Click here to download the HMRC app.

Once you log in, press 'pay ad you earn' and 'other tax years or employment history'. At the bottom of the page press 'your income tax and employment history'. This will take you to a new page where you can see your employment history. At the bottom of this page press 'download income tax history PDF', where you will have the option to save the PDF to your device. When you get to the employment section in our application form you will be able to upload the PDF document to evidence your employment.

Please do not apply until you have this report.

Your household income and expenditure need to fall within our criteria. You can do a quick check here, to see if you will qualify. Our calculator is a guide and doesn't guarantee a grant.

You'll need to be able to show your total available funds are less than £6,000 during the 90 days before you make a grant application.

We use Open Banking through Consents.Online which is a safe and secure way to share your financial data online (a third-party organisation, part of Equifax).

• Simply give Consents.Online permission to access your account information. Once you have completed your application GroceryAid will email a secure link to you
• GroceryAid will then be provided with one-time access to view your last 3 months bank statements to check you meet our financial criteria. Remember we use this to verify if you meet our criteria, not to judge how you spend your money. We do not have access to your bank account

If you don't use Consents.Online and choose to send bank statements, then you will need to provide the last 3 months bank/building society statements for all accounts held in your name. If you are living as a couple, we will require all of your partner's statements too.

You can choose to upload your bank statements directly within the application form. These can be as a PDF, scans/photographs of paper statements, or complete screenshots.

If the documents are not clear, your caseworker will be in touch to request further information, and this may delay your application being processed.

GroceryAid are unable to award a grant direct to anyone considered to be in active addiction.

This includes where we can identify transactions on your bank statements above 15% of household income to gambling or online entertainment. We consider you responsible for all transactions showing on statements in your name/partner's name.

We want to support you with this so please visit Gambling Support for details of our partnership with GamCare, or call our confidential GroceryAid 24/7 Helpline to discuss this with a trained counsellor.

If you are in receipt of benefits, then depending on which benefit you receive you will need to evidence this in one of the following formats:

• A benefit statement showing the payment amount including your name and address
• A full copy of your latest full Universal Credit statement which you can download from your journal by clicking 'print this statement'. This will then give you the option to save as a PDF
• Or a full copy of your latest bank statement showing the tax credits crediting your account

To be considered for support with the cost of living, you must be a currently employed in the grocery industry and your household needs to be on a low income and in receipt of means tested benefits such as Universal Credit.

We are unable to help with school uniform or school holiday costs, if these are the only reasons for your application, it will be rejected.

GroceryAid have partnered with Money Helper who have lent us their online budget planner, to help you see where your money is going and feel in control when you have a change in your situation.

Use our budget planner

To be considered for support with household repairs you must own your own property and provide quotations for the work to be completed.

If you are in a rented property, we are unable to consider supporting to a repair that is deemed the landlord’s responsibility. For example, mould, or boiler repairs. We may refer you to Shelter for a specialist caseworker to provide advice and help you negotiate the best plan.

GroceryAid can only consider support to white goods/essential items if it your first application.

To be considered for financial support towards a recent bereavement, we will need evidence that you are solely responsible for covering the funeral costs.

If you shared a property with the recently deceased, please provide an invoice or a quote from the funeral director in your name.

If you did not live with the individual, we would require confirmation from the DWP that you have applied for a Government Funeral Payment and received a letter confirming the outcome. This letter will show that the government considers you the legal responsible party.

Our Financial Wellbeing section has advice on what to do first when someone dies. It can seem overwhelming. Besides letting family and friends know, there are several organisations you need to notify. Find out what you need to do in the weeks and months after someone dies.

Find out more

If a recent bereavement has impacted your financial situation such as, increased outgoings, the need to move, unpaid leave or statutory sick pay during this difficult time, please provide evidence of these changes in your situation. This can include uploading a copy of the death certificate showing you lived together or a payslip showing the loss of income. We are unable to support towards a reduction in hours or less overtime.

Our Financial Wellbeing section has advice on what to do first when someone dies. It can seem overwhelming. Besides letting family and friends know, there are several organisations you need to notify. Find out what you need to do in the weeks and months after someone dies.

Find out more

To be considered for financial support towards a relationship breakdown, we will need evidence that your circumstances have changed. This can be in the form of Universal Credit statement changing from a joint claim to single, a change in address, a new signed tenancy agreement in sole name or, if you can evidence previous joint liability, a council tax statement that is now showing single occupancy.

If you have left your home, without a new property we can accept a homelessness application from your local authority as evidence as the change of circumstance.

Our Financial Wellbeing section has some advice on how to separate your finances and what might indicate you need professional help. There are also some dos and don’ts on divorce or dissolution.

Find out more

To be considered for financial support due to a change in circumstances, you will need to provide appropriate evidence of that change. This evidence could include but not limited to:

• Universal Credit Statement: A statement showing a change in your benefits, such as an increase or decrease in payments, or changes to your entitlement. Please note, we are unable to assist with benefit overpayments or where a child turns 18 and is no longer eligible for child-related benefits.
• Change in Housing Circumstances: Documentation showing a change in your housing situation, such as a new tenancy agreement.
• Loss of Income: Proof that you have experienced a reduction in income due to sickness or caring responsibilities, such as medical certificates, sick pay details, or evidence of changes in your working hours or employment status.

We have partnered with Turn2us a national charity that helps people in financial hardship to gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants, and support services. You can use the free and confidential Benefits Calculator to find out what benefits you are entitled to claim.

Use our benefits calculator

GroceryAid may consider providing financial support through the cost of living application if your income has been affected by a change in your benefits.

Please provide evidence to show the change in your benefits.

GroceryAid are unable to support where your Universal Credit has been stopped due receiving a salary payment twice in one month

If you have had an unexpected change to your household, and it’s not detailed above we would recommend you select ‘change in household’ as your reason for application.

GroceryAid have partnered with Money Helper who have lent us their online budget planner, to help you see where your money is going and feel in control when you have a change in your situation.

Use our budget planner

GroceryAid can consider an application to support with debt fees, such as bankruptcy or a debt relief order.

We would need evidence that your chosen debt solution has been recommended by a debt practitioner, with your application please provide a copy of your debt recommendation plan.

We have partnered with StepChange, a debt charity, this expert advice helps you deal with your debts and get the support you need. You can get advice online or over the phone, and they will recommend a range of practical debt solutions based on your situation and provide you with a Debt Advice statement.

Find out more

GroceryAid consider priority debts such as rent, council tax, water or energy arrears when reviewing applications. When showing council tax arrears, they must be for the previous tax year. These debts may have accumulated due to a loss of income, such as from illness, job loss, time off due to caring responsibilities or unexpected changes in circumstances.

Priority debts that have been escalated to court or bailiff action may also be considered, provided you can supply evidence of this.

If you have multiple debts, we recommend seeking debt advice before submitting your application. Please upload the full debt report showing the advice you have received.  GroceryAid work with StepChange who offer free, impartial debt and budgeting advice.

With any debt you have, please provide up to date arrears statements from the last month showing your name and address and any recent correspondence received regarding the next steps of action against you for the arrears.

We have partnered with StepChange, a debt charity, this expert advice helps you deal with your debts and get the support you need. You can get advice online or over the phone, and they will recommend a range of practical debt solutions based on your situation and provide you with a Debt Advice statement.

Find out more

GroceryAid can consider supporting an application where a reduction of income has occurred.

We will need to evidence of the reduction of income, this can be in your payslips showing sick pay, or a reduction in your basic pay and the reason behind this. This cannot be a reduction in overtime.

GroceryAid are unable to support where your Universal Credit has been stopped due receiving a salary payment twice in one month.

We have partnered with Turn2us a national charity that helps people in financial hardship to gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants, and support services. You can use the free and confidential Benefits Calculator to find out what benefits you are entitled to claim.

Use our benefits calculator

GroceryAid can consider an application where a loss of income has occurred due to their own mental health of that of a spouse, partner or dependent in their household.

Please provide evidence such as payslips showing the reduction in income due to sickness or caring responsibilities.

The grants charity Turn2Us have created a PIP helper to help you with the process of applying for PIP (Personal Independence Payments). The guide gives you tips and advice, local support, information and resources that can help you through each stage of the process.

Find out more

GroceryAid can consider an application where a loss of income has occurred due to their own physical health of that of a family member.

Please provide evidence such as payslips showing the reduction in income due to sickness or caring responsibilities.

The grants charity Turn2Us have created a PIP helper to help you with the process of applying for PIP (Personal Independence Payments). The guide gives you tips and advice, local support, information and resources that can help you through each stage of the process.

Find out more

GroceryAid can consider an application to support with adaptations to your home or with purchasing a stairlift, wheelchair or electrically powered vehicle (EPV).

For us to progress the application, we will need a local authority needs assessment to be completed and provided with your application.

Your local authority has a legal duty to carry out an assessment to find out what help you need to live as independently as possible. In Northern Ireland, the Health and Social Care Trust will do this.

The grants charity Turn2Us have created a PIP helper to help you with the process of applying for PIP (Personal Independence Payments). The guide gives you tips and advice, local support, information and resources that can help you through each stage of the process.

Find out more

GroceryAid may consider an application if you or someone in your household has a long-term disability or illness.

Please provide evidence of any caring or disability benefits you receive, or payslips showing a reduction in your income that have been caused by illness, disability or caring in your household.

If you have applied for caring or disability benefits and are waiting for a decision, please provide evidence of this.

The grants charity Turn2Us have created a PIP helper to help you with the process of applying for PIP (Personal Independence Payments). The guide gives you tips and advice, local support, information and resources that can help you through each stage of the process.

Find out more

GroceryAid may consider an application if you are waiting for a medical diagnosis or treatment for a recent diagnosis.

Please provide evidence of payslips showing a reduction in your income that have been caused by illness, disability or caring in your household whilst awaiting diagnosis or treatment.

The grants charity Turn2Us have created a PIP helper to help you with the process of applying for PIP (Personal Independence Payments). The guide gives you tips and advice, local support, information and resources that can help you through each stage of the process.

Find out more

GroceryAid may consider an application to support applicants creating a plan to move forward if you are at risk of homelessness.

In support of your application, please provide evidence of your eviction notice or proceedings.

We may refer you to Shelter for a specialist caseworker to provide advice and help you negotiate the best plan before a grant is considered.

GroceryAid have partnered with Shelter. Shelter is a housing charity which provides expert advice and support for a wide range of housing situations.

Find out more

GroceryAid may consider an application to support applicants creating a plan to move forward if you are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

If you are homeless, please provide evidence of your homelessness application with your local authority.

If you are at risk of homelessness, please provide evidence of your eviction notice or proceedings.

We may refer you to Shelter for a specialist caseworker to provide advice and help you negotiate the best plan before a grant is considered.

GroceryAid have partnered with Shelter. Shelter is a housing charity which provides expert advice and support for a wide range of housing situations.

Find out more

GroceryAid may consider an application to support applicants who are being forced to move out of their property.

Please provide evidence of your forced move, this can be letters or notices served from your landlord.

We may refer you to Shelter for a specialist caseworker to provide advice and help you negotiate the best plan before a grant is considered.

GroceryAid have partnered with Shelter. Shelter is a housing charity which provides expert advice and support for a wide range of housing situations.

Find out more

GroceryAid may consider an application to support if you have left an abusive relationship or are starting over after a relationship breakdown.

To support your application, please provide a supporting statement or evidence of the domestic abuse agency who are supporting you plus evidence of your universal credit changing from a couple to a single person claim or a new tenancy showing the move to the new property.

If you are looking to flee domestic violence you could also provide a copy of your homelessness application made to the local authority, and copies of any correspondence received from them.

Domestic violence or abuse can happen to anyone. Find out how to recognise the signs and where to get help by looking at the NHS website.

Find out more

GroceryAid may consider an application to an individual who has experienced a traumatic event that has caused a financial impact on the household.

GroceryAid use a definition of traumatic event as generally involving threats to life, bodily integrity or a personal encounter with violence or death.

Please provide supporting evidence showing the traumatic event that has caused a financial impact. Please do not provide photos of any injuries.

Some examples of a traumatic event may include but are not limited to, having to leave your property unexpectedly at short notice for safety, you or your family are involved in a major incident or a crime.

You can apply using a mobile phone or tablet. If that’s not possible, consider asking a friend, family member, or visiting your local library. You may also be able to complete the application at work. GroceryAid offers a paper application, although applying online is usually quicker.

No. All applications are treated with complete confidentiality. Your employer will not be informed.

While we’re unable to complete the form on your behalf, we recommend asking a trusted friend, family member, colleague, Citizens Advice, or a support worker for assistance.

In this case, they’ll need to complete a paper application. Please call GroceryAid on 01252 875925 (press option 1) to speak with our Grants Team about sending a paper form by post.

Yes, potentially. Please explain your employment change in the “Reason for Application” section and upload payslips covering the last six months—this should include documents from both your previous and current employers.

We do not judge your personal transactions. However, as a charity, we cannot award a cash grant if these transactions exceed 15% of your household income. We encourage you to seek support to reduce spending in these areas. In cases of eviction risk, we may consider making a payment to a third party. Please note, you are responsible for all transactions listed on your bank statements.

If you have already had a grant from GroceryAid, you must wait 12 months from the date you were paid before you can apply again. You also need to meet one of the reasons listed here and show that your financial situation has changed significantly since your last application.

GroceryAid payments should be declared when applying for any income-related benefits. Please describe the payment as a “voluntary charitable payment.” This should not affect your Universal Credit.

Please speak to us if you are in an Individual Voluntary Arrangement for debt (IVA) or if you are receiving Legal Aid.

You’ll need to provide three months of bank statements for your household. If you’re in a life-threatening situation or have lost all possessions, please ask your manager to email GroceryAid from their business email address to discuss how we can support your application.

Log into your Universal Credit account and download your statement as a PDF. You can then upload it with your application. If this is difficult, you may submit clear screenshots showing your name and address at the top, and the total payment received at the bottom.

Log into your online portal, download your payslips as PDFs, and upload them with your application.

Please contact the GroceryAid Grants Team by emailing [email protected] or calling 01252 875925 (press option 1). You may need to upload additional documents, such as:

• Proof of address (tenancy agreement, homelessness application, or Council Tax letter)
• Name change documentation (Deed Poll, divorce papers, or marriage certificate)
• Details of household changes (who moved in/out and when)
• Job or income changes (previous and current wage slips)

Due to high demand, applications are placed in a queue. You’ll be informed of the estimated waiting time when you apply. Please note this is a guideline, and urgent cases may be prioritised.

We’re unable to discuss applications with anyone other than the applicant due to confidentiality. However, if you call us with the applicant present, we can obtain their consent to speak with you.

If you’re in crisis and need immediate support, please click here to search organisations who are designed to help in an emergency.

Your application will be queued and reviewed in order of submission by a Grants Officer. If any information is missing or further details are needed, we’ll contact you directly.

Each application is assessed individually. The amount awarded depends on your circumstances and level of need. If you’re applying for a Cost of Living Grant, the set amount is £300.

The most common delay is missing supporting documents. To avoid this, please ensure you provide:

• Payslips for the last six months (weekly pay requires one per month)
• Bank/building society statements for the last three months for all accounts in your name—and your partner’s, if applicable (including savings, shares, etc.)