Helen Morgan urges struggling veterans to claim grant support

MP Helen Morgan is urging veterans struggling with the cost of living to take advantage of new grants worth up to £200 a month.

The Royal British Legion has launched Everyday Needs Grants for members of the Armed Forces community.

The grants are worth up to £2,400 per year and are designed to help people finding it hard to pay bills or purchase essentials.

The scheme is open to serving and ex-serving personnel as well as families, dependants and carers including current and former spouses, partners and widows or widowers.

Helen Morgan, North Shropshire MP, said, “The high cost of living is making life tough for people everywhere and many of those struggling are members of the Armed Forces community.

“It’s really important that everyone finding it difficult makes the most of all support available so I would encourage anyone in need to apply to the RBL for help.

“Help is also available for people who are not necessarily linked to the Armed Forces. I’m here to help all constituents and anyone who is struggling can contact me for help accessing support.”

Anyone struggling with increasing costs is encouraged to apply, whether or not they are already in receipt of means tested state benefits. The programme is designed to provide quick and easy help with essentials such as kitchen appliances, clothes and energy costs.

The RBL noted a 20% rise in requests for support with urgent needs, such as food and household costs, over the last 12 months and is expecting this to increase further over the winter.

Meanwhile working-age adults in the ex-Service community are more than twice as likely to receive a sickness or disability benefit than UK adults, according to RBL research.

More information on the Everyday Needs Grants is available at https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-support/financial-and-employment-support/finance/grants/cost-of-living-grants.