Welfare at Work Week

We know how quickly financial circumstances can change, for all sorts of unexpected reasons. We understand it can be hard to prioritise your finances alongside all your other commitments. UNISON is here to help you manage the many challenges that can arise.

Unison’s own welfare charity There for You, is proud to support thousands of its members and their families every year. Last year, 2265 members received financial assistance, resulting in over £850,000 being awarded in financial support. This reflects the impact that both the increase in energy and housing costs has had, on top of inflation. Once again, our programme of grants became a critical means of support for many of our most vulnerable members.

Whatever the issue, we are a safety net for UNISON members. Whether its struggling to put food on the
table, paying for everyday essentials, providing support while benefit applications are processed, urgent
home repairs or helping pay for the funeral of a loved one. 

There are a number of ways in which we can help:

• In the first instance, please get in touch with one of our trained and dedicated Branch Welfare Officers by calling the office 0161 291 5212. They can offer advice and signpost you to a variety of support sources. You may also find the help you are looking for in our USEFUL CONTACTS DIRECTORY
• Members can apply for a general welfare grant from Unison. Full details can be found HERE and this is the APPLICATION FORM 
• Even a small change in circumstances can turn a manageable situation into a debt problem. Whatever the amount, dealing with debt can be stressful, overwhelming and all-consuming. No one should have to deal with the stresses of looming debt alone so please access our dedicated debt helpline by calling 0800 389 3302. Please also read our debt advice leaflet HERE.
• Check your state benefit entitlements. In 2024, £23bn in support went unclaimed. That’s why it is so important to check your entitlements as you may be missing out on thousands of pounds per year. Use our free BENEFITS CALCULATOR today!
• In addition to state benefits, you may also be entitled to access passported benefits. These are benefits or schemes that you may be entitled to based on being in receipt of other qualifying benefits, such as Universal  Credit. Passported benefits include help with health costs, to housing support, free school meals, energy grants and more. Find out more HERE
• Take control!! Use our free, user friendly BUDGET PLANNER. friendly budget planning tool. It’s quick and easy to create your own personal budget plan. The budget planner is completely anonymous, all entries are on one page, and you can create multiple budgets in minutes.  

As a Unison member, you are not alone. Please reach out and contact us if you are experiencing financial or emotional difficulties. We are here to help.