Apply for Help
If you work or have worked in the education of under-19s in the UK for at least five years and need help, just ask. We endeavour to respond to every application within two working days.
We are currently experiencing exceptionally high demand for financial support. As a result, it is taking us longer than usual to respond to applicants and process applications. We aim to give a first response within 5 working days.
You can help us by supplying all relevant information and supporting documents requested by the application process — employment proof and circumstantial documents — and by using Open Banking for your financial information.
The committee continue to review complete applications weekly during this time.
You can prove you've worked in the education of under-19s in the UK for at least five years and something unexpected has happened in the last 12 months to cause financial hardship.
Complete the Lightning Reach application, telling us about your circumstances, what you need help with and providing supporting documents to evidence your situation.
We endeavour to respond to every application within two working days, so you're not left waiting when it matters most.
We take our online applications through Lightning Reach, a free and secure online portal that helps you find and apply for financial support from multiple providers all in one place — including help with energy bills, fuel vouchers and home efficiency upgrades.
Create a profile and use their Budget Checker for a simple affordability assessment in under 10 minutes, find and apply for support from us and other organisations, take a benefits check, and get advice from trusted providers.
Our one-time grants can help with priority bills, housing costs, food, travel or other essentials. They are not loans — you don't have to pay us back, and it costs nothing to apply.
Apply now