Bankers Benevolent Fund

The Bank Workers Charity, formerly known as the Bankers Benevolent Fund, is a specialist occupational benevolent fund established in 1884 to support the financial, physical, and mental wellbeing of current and former UK bank employees and their families across generations. Guided by a mission to prevent and relieve poverty, advance health, and promote education among this community, it upholds core values of compassion, professionalism, confidentiality, and inclusiveness. Its distinctive approach combines grant-making with expert advice via helplines and digital tools, delivering holistic, person-centred interventions that foster long-term resilience rather than short-term aid alone, backed by a trustee board of sector experts and enduring ties to major UK banks.

It prioritises practical support for individuals facing crises like financial hardship, ill-health, disability, bereavement, unemployment, debt, or caring responsibilities, including mental health therapy, care adaptations, essential items, family aid, and educational guidance for dependents. All assistance targets bank workers (active or retired from any UK bank), spouses, partners, children, and dependents, with a UK-wide geographic focus encompassing England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Eligibility is strictly for connected individuals—no organisations, charities, or unrelated applicants—with proof of banking employment (e.g., payslip, pension statement), income, and outgoings required. Applications start via phone, live chat, or online enquiry, followed by assessment and a detailed form; processed rolling with decisions in about three weeks and prompt BACS payments. Typical grants average under £1,000, tailored to needs without fixed min/max. Exclusively individual relief sets it apart as the UK's sole dedicated banking sector funder, eschewing organisational costs or generalist causes.