18/09/2026
When can I apply?
This fund will open at 12 noon on Wednesday 30 September 2026 for 24 hours; applications will only be accepted during this timeframe.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
Be a UNISON member and have paid at least four weeks’ subscriptions as of 30 September 2026. Subscriptions must be up to date.
Not have received a grant from UNISON Welfare since 30 March 2026, excluding the Step into Spring Grant
And EITHER:
Be on a low income, meaning a net household income* of no more than £29,515/year (£2,459.58/month)
OR:
Be in receipt of means-tested benefits. This includes:
Universal Credit
Housing Benefit
Pension Credit
* Net household income includes your monthly take-home pay from work (plus your partner’s, if you have one), any income from child maintenance payments, any income from student finance loans or bursaries, pensions (excluding Pension Credit), income from savings and any income from people living with you (e.g. adult children or lodgers).
** Where members have no recourse to public funds and their household income is above £29,515/year an assessment will be undertaken to see whether they would be eligible for benefits if they did have recourse to public funds so that they are not disadvantaged.
What can I get help with?
If you’re a UNISON member on a low income (see above), you can apply for a £30 voucher per qualifying person in your household towards the cost of food. You can apply for a voucher for yourself, your partner and your dependent children.
We want to make this fund go as far as possible and help as many members as we can. Please only apply if you are in financial difficulty.
How do I apply?
All applications should be made online. Applications will open for 24 hours from 12 noon on Wednesday 30 September. Eligible members will be chosen at random from the applicant pool and contacted to submit supporting documents. Due to limited funds and in anticipation of high demand, we regret that we will not be able to help all members who apply.
If you are unable to complete the application due to an accessibility issue, please call UNISON direct on 0800 0 857 857 or email: [email protected].
What if I don’t know my membership number?
We cannot accept applications without a membership number. This can often be found at the bottom of any emails you have received from UNISON. Alternatively, please contact UNISON direct on 0800 0 857 857.
How will you contact me?
Acknowledgement
Online submissions will receive an automated message confirming your application has been received. If this doesn’t show in your ‘inbox’, please check your ‘junk/spam’ folders.
Processing time
We will be in touch within two weeks of your initial application to confirm whether your application has been selected for assessment. If your application has been selected for assessment, we will require further evidence to support your application, and we will be in touch via email to request this.
You should not expect to receive an immediate decision. It could take up to 7 - 8 weeks before your application will be completed. Please do not send chasing emails as we will be unable to respond.
If I have recently received a grant, can I apply?
If you have received a grant from UNISON Welfare since 30 March 2026 (excluding the Step into Spring grant) you will not be eligible to apply to the Seasonal Food Fund.
Any questions? Contact us via email: [email protected]
Kind Regards
Joe Baldwin Janice Fennell-Rutherford
Branch Secretary Branch Chair
