Central Fund
About
Our Central Fund is here to support you if you are facing financial difficulties.
The Fund can help you with the following costs:
- Priority debts (rent, mortgage, council tax, energy bills)
- Debt relief orders or bankruptcy fees
- Rent deposits
- Funeral costs
- Household goods
- Home repairs
- Mobility aids
- Disability adaptations
- Selected medical treatment
- Unforeseen emergencies
Unfortunately, RBF is unable to help with non-priority debts (i.e. credit cards, historical debts, unsecured loans, overdrafts) or care home fees.
Am I eligible?
The criteria to apply for the Central Fund is as follows:
- You have at least one year’s service as a current railway worker, and a minimum of five year’s service for former and retired railway workers
- You have less than £2,000 in capital if a single person, or less than £3,000 if a couple (including the value of any assets i.e. shares, second properties, land)
Spouses and widows of railway workers can also apply for support, and next of kin of railway workers may also apply for support towards funeral costs.
Please note that you can only apply for one Central Fund grant within a two year period.
How much will I receive?
The amount awarded for the Central Fund is calculated on a case by case basis. This will be discussed with your caseworker during the application process.
How do I apply?
To complete your application, please follow these simple steps:
- Complete the application form linked below.
- Submit the required supporting documentation: (We do not accept screenshots)
- Provide documentation showing your railway employment (e.g., a payslip, P60, pension letter, or rail pass).
- Details about your needs, such as quotes, debt documentation, or medical evidence
2. Mandatory Step: Create your profile on Lightning Reach.
All applicants must create a Lightning Reach profile. This secure service will:
- Verify your identity to help protect against fraud.
- Share your bank statements securely without having to upload or email documents.
What is Lightning Reach and how does it work?
Lightning Reach provides a secure and simple way to share your bank statements directly with us, without the need to upload or email documents. By logging into Lightning Reach, you will be guided through a quick and easy process to connect yours and your partner’s accounts, if applicable, allowing us to review the necessary financial information to assess your application. Lightning Reach uses the latest technology to process your information securely. Your data is protected, and we can only access the last three months of statements—we cannot make any changes to your account or see anything beyond this period. Please see our privacy policy to learn more how your data is handled.
We use this process to confirm your identity, prevent fraud, and make sure we have the right information to assess your application quickly and fairly.
What’s the benefit of creating a Lightning Reach profile?
- Ensures a secure and quick application process that includes identity verification
- Requires a simple and secure connection to your bank account (we can only view the last 3 months of statements)
- Gives you access to additional support from other grant giving organisations
For assistance or non-online applications, contact us.
We know that using online tools like Lightning Reach or other forms can be difficult. If you have any trouble using the website or would rather apply over the phone or with a paper form, just call us on 0345 241 2885. We are happy to fill out the online application for you based on the information you provide.
Please contact us to get started at [email protected]
NB: It takes approximately 2 weeks for applications to be reviewed
Further support
All applications are offered a check of entitlements including benefits, government support, as well as other charities that may assist along with referrals and signposting to other services that can help.
If you have any queries or require assistance with completing the form please contact us on 0345 241 2885 or email us.
