The application period for the Cost-of-Living grant is now closed and will reopen Wednesday 1st - Monday 6th May 2024.
In response to the very large increases in the cost of living, we have launched our new ‘Cost-of-Living Grant’ programme. This programme is designed to allow us to assist actors and stage managers who need help with everyday essentials such as household bills, kitchen appliances, clothes, and energy costs.
The grants available are up to £2000. Larger grants may be available if appropriate. However, please note that for the Actors’ Benevolent Fund to consider this for a particular case, we need you to outline your reasons for requiring a larger amount in your application form. Applicants have the opportunity to re-apply for the Cost-of-Living Grant every six months.
This programme is open to anyone who is eligible for our support struggling to pay for items and services they need.
Applying for the Cost-of-Living Grant
How to apply—a simple four-step process:
- Please carefully read the eligibility criteria for the grant. You can download a copy here.
- Download and complete the “Cost-of-Living” application form. You can download a copy here.
- Please provide and attach your supporting evidence as stated in the application form.
- Send the application and supporting documents to: applications@abf.org.uk
If you do not have access to a computer, please contact us and we can send you a hardcopy of the application form with a free return envelope and postage.
Once your application has been submitted a member of the grants team will be in touch with you as soon as possible.
Step 1: Read the eligibility for the ‘Cost-of-Living Grant’
This may be read below or you can download copy here.
The ABF's 'Cost-of-Living' Grant Eligibility Policy
- You must work or have worked professionally as an actor or stage manager, and have at least two professional credits* on your CV.
Credits* must involve a named role for which you received payment. Please refrain from submitting roles undertaken during training, acting studies, or work as an extra or stand-in, as they will not be accepted. - An up-to-date CV or Spotlight Pin must be provided.
- You must normally be based in the UK.
- You have a low income, or you are struggling to pay for everyday essentials such as:
- Household bills
- Kitchen Appliances
- Food costs
- Clothes
- Energy costs
- Sudden expenses
- You have savings below £6,000 (do not include any savings set aside for your tax bill).
- If you receive means-tested Government benefits (Universal Credit, Tax Credits, Income Related Employment Support Allowance and Housing Benefit), you will need to send proof of your current benefit award.
- For example, a screen shot of your Universal Credit award clearly showing your name and address, and how it has been calculated, or your tax credits or housing benefit award.
- If you receive means-tested Government benefits, you do not need to send any bank statements.
- If you do not receive means-tested Government benefits, you will need to supply your bank statements from the last month for all your accounts (1 month's worth of bank statements from all your accounts).
- Please send a PDF copy of your bank statements and make sure it clearly shows your name and address.
- If you receive means-tested Government benefits, you do not need to send your bank statements.
- If you do not receive means-tested Government benefits and are living with a partner, you will need to supply their bank statements from the last month for all their accounts. (1 month's worth of bank statements from all their accounts)
- Please send a PDF copy of their bank statements and make sure it clearly shows their name and address.
- If you receive means-tested Government benefits, you do not need to send any bank statements (including your partner's).
- You will need to supply evidence of monthly/weekly income, including your partner’s income (if applicable).
- Please note that if your partner has an income, your application will still be considered.
- If asking for help with rent, council tax and/or energy arrears, a statement/proof must be provided.
- You must give a detailed reason for applying for the Cost-of-Living grant and the impact any grant awarded would make.
- Applicants have the opportunity to re-apply for the Cost-of-Living Grant every six months.
Decision Making
- We will prioritise applications to those that prove they are in the most financial need.
- We will consider the applicant’s financial situation and all financial support received from Government Benefits, Charities, and Councils.
- We will consider any savings, and we ask that these be declared.
- A Welfare Advisor assesses and reviews all applications, and additional information may need to be supplied.
- Please note that your application will not be considered if you have received a Cost-of-Living grant from the ABF in the last six months.
- Due to volume, we cannot discuss the reasons for a refusal. The grants available and eligibility criteria may change from time to time, so please check carefully before applying.
- If you meet the criteria and are ready to proceed, we warmly encourage you to apply.
- This grant will be open for applications the first week of each month (1st – 7th).
Step 2: Download and complete the “Cost-of-Living” application form
You can download a copy here.
Step 3: Attach the relevant supporting documents to your completed application form
Please note, without the supporting documents we are unable to process your application.
These include:
-
Proof of your current benefit award, for example a screen shot of your Universal Credit award showing your name and address and how it has been calculated or your tax credits or housing benefit award.
-
Full theatrical CV or your Spotlight Pin (including at least two professional credits).
-
If you do not receive means-tested Government benefits, a copy of your bank statements (ALL accounts) from the past month (1 month's worth of bank statements from all your accounts). If you receive means-tested Government benefits, you do not need to send any bank statements.
-
If you do not receive means-tested Government benefits and are living with a partner, a copy of their bank statements (ALL accounts) from the past month (1 month's worth of bank statements from all their accounts). If you receive means-tested Government benefits, you do not need to send any bank statements.
-
If you do not receive means-tested Government benefits and are living with a partner, you will need to supply proof of partner’s income. (Please know that if your partner has an income your application will still be considered. There is a box in section 4 for you to provide any further information you think we need.)
-
If asking for help with rent, council tax and or energy arrears, a statement/proof will need to be provided.
Step 4: Submit the application and supporting documents
Send these to: applications@abf.org.uk
If you do not have access to a computer, please contact us and we can send you a hardcopy of the application form with a free return envelope and postage.
If you have any questions or need help, please do not hesitate to contact us: applications@abf.org.uk or call 020 7836 6378.
Once your application has been submitted a member of the grants team will be in touch with you as soon as possible.
Thank you for taking the time to complete your application.