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Financial assistance

We provide a range of financial grants for members of the RAF Family. If you serve or have served in the RAF, you may be eligible for direct financial support - regardless of how long ago you left.
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Day-to-day financial worries and unexpected life events can be extremely stressful.

We offer help with essentials like household costs, home repairs, housing transitions, and unexpected emergencies. Our expert team can also help you access the benefits and support you may not know you’re entitled to. View our eligibility checklist to see if you would qualify.

All support is confidential and tailored to your circumstances. Scroll down to find out how we can help.

Apply online

If you are seeking financial help up to the value of £750, you can apply for a one-off grant directly online via the Lightning Reach portal.

Fast access to financial help
An image of 2 female RAF personnel walking through nature
An RAF family sat at a cafe table

Day-to-day living and one-off costs

Whether you're dealing with a one-off expense, need regular financial support, or are looking for advice on benefits, we can help.

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RAF personnel in uniform stood in front of his bedroom door

Further education and employment costs

Transitioning out of the RAF? We may be able to help you with a grant for a new laptop, a course, or a work uniform.

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Funerals and bereavement costs

Funerals and bereavement costs

Coping with the loss of a loved one is never easy. We can help ease the stress with financial assistance and bereavement support.

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RAF Reserves

RAF Dependants Fund

A payment of up to £20,000 is available for your family should the unthinkable happen. We also offer additional help for more immediate needs due to injury or sickness.

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An image of an RAF veteran taking dishes out of his dishawasher

Housing and repair costs

We can provide financial support for unexpected housing costs, including essential home repairs and equipment to help you live comfortably and safely at home.

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An RAF veteran on the phone, smiling and looking very happy

Benefits advice

Unsure about benefits? We can help. Our team can advise on what you or a loved one may be entitled to and can even assist with disability benefit appeals.

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Who we've helped

Robert on his mobility scooter in park

“Having the Fund there reminds you you’re still part of the RAF Family”

For RAF veteran Robert McDowall, the support from the RAF Benevolent Fund has been life changing. With practical and financial assistance organised by the Fund’s welfare…

15 July 2025
RAF Family
Matt Wickens and family on beach

“The Fund was there for our family when we needed it most”

After a devastating sledging accident left RAF serviceman Matt Wickens in constant pain with a long recovery, the RAF Benevolent Fund was there by his side providing…

22 June 2025
RAF Family
Craig and Sandra on beach in sunglasses

“The Fund gave me peace of mind with a financial grant towards my partner’s funeral”

After the heartbreaking loss of her partner Craig, Sandra found herself grappling with the overwhelming expenses of his funeral. In search of relief, she turned to the…

4 November 2024
In Memory
RAF Family
Christine and Richard cropped

"One phone call has led to so much support"

Christine Carr joined the RAF in 1985 and served for two years as a Senior Aircraftwoman based at RAF Henlow. Christine was always aware of the Fund but didn’t realise…

12 June 2025
RAF Family
Jesse in uniform left, with husband after race holding medals on right

“The opportunity to retrain has allowed me to regain control of my own life”

When ex-RAF servicewoman Jesse needed to take her career in a new direction due to lasting damage from a leg injury, the RAF Benevolent Fund stepped in to support her…

26 March 2024
RAF Family
John Wright and Lewis smiling

“The Fund futureproofed our home for our family”

For 16 years the Fund has been there for John and his family with financial and practical support, helping them provide 24/7 care to their son Lewis.

21 May 2025
RAF Family
Geoff in uniform young and now

“The Fund has been there for me through difficult times – their support means everything to me”

After 20 years of service in the RAF, Geoff Stevens has faced some tough times, from being medically discharged to dealing with the loss of his wife. But through it all,…

24 March 2025
RAF Family
Osling family

"A grant towards occupational therapy gave us the answers we needed for our autistic son"

When Laura and Matthew Osling’s two-year-old son, Nye, was experiencing unexplained behavioural issues at nursery, they didn’t know what to do...

15 January 2025
RAF Family
kabir family

"The Fund gave us the clean slate we so desperately needed"

Posted with King’s Colour Squadron providing ceremonial support and managing a team of 30 personnel, Lance Corporal Shameem Kabir loved his career in the RAF. However,…

4 April 2024
RAF Family

Get in touch

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your situation, please give us a call on 0300 102 1919 or submit a query online.

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