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The RCN Foundation Benevolent Service is currently experiencing an exceptionally high volume of applications. We are currently assessing hardship applications received week commencing Monday 26 February.                Hardship text

Failure to submit the above information will result in an even longer delay in processing your application. Please bear with us as we work through all applications. We thank you for your patience.

The RCN Foundation Benevolent Service is here to support you.

You do not need to be a member of the Royal College of Nursing to apply. If you do receive a hardship grant, this will not need to be repaid.

If you are seeking the Royal College of Nursing Strike Fund, please go to The Strike Hub over on the RCN website.

     Who can apply for an RCN Foundation Benevolent Grant graphic

If you have been suspended or removed from the NMC register, please email rcnfoundationbenevolent@rcn.org.uk for more information.

Before you start your application

You will need to upload the following documents. Failure to do so will result in significant delay to your application. If you have any queries, check our FAQ's

Benevolent Grants Manager, Leah, tells us her top 3 tips you should follow before applying for an RCN Foundation hardship grant:

The last 2 months bank statements from all bank accounts you hold for you and your partner if applicable. These need to show:

  • Name
  • Address
  • Full account number
  • Sort code
  • Transactions
  • Running Balance
Note: if you have transactions from one account to another you will need to provide all statements for all accounts. 

  • Evidence of having worked as a nurse/midwife (UK or international)  
  • Evidence of 3 years’ service working as a healthcare support worker, maternity support worker or degree/foundation degree apprentice nursing student in a nurse supervised health care role (UK Only). 

  • If applicable, a full copy of your most recent Universal Credit statement (all pages) or evidence that you have claimed Universal Credit
  • If you are looking for help with a specific cost or with essential arrears (rent/council tax) please provide documentation to show the cost or an up to date statement to show balance owed.

Additional information

Benevolent grants take several weeks to assess and pay, so they are not able to provide immediate support if you need money in the coming days. Other options are listed in our guides at the bottom of this page. 

Once your application and documentation has been reviewed, you may be asked to provide further information and documentation. Please be sure to read all communication thoroughly.

If documentation is not provided as requested, it will delay your application.

If you live with a partner, we will ask for a Data Protection Statement to be signed by them. You will agree to our data protection policy as part of the online form you complete, but your partner needs to confirm they agree to this too. If you complete the partner form here and attach it your application, it will speed up the process. 

Apply for a hardship grant

Apply for a hardship grant here

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Frequently Asked Questions

Hardship grants