A mutual aid fund to help members access work when faced with a financial shock.
What is it?
Our ‘Unity Fund’ is designed to help members in financial difficulty cope with unexpected circumstances beyond their control. The fund provides small cash grants to contribute to additional costs that make the difference in continuing to access work. This might help members afford excess on a needed health insurance claim or cover an unplanned day of childcare for instance. The size of the fund limits the level of help we can provide. We anticipate typical grants may average around £150 one-off payment to a single person in a given year.
Why do we need it?
When unexpected circumstances stop you keeping up with work, then problems can quickly escalate. A small amount of cash isn’t necessarily going to make the problem go away, but it can make a positive difference and help stop the situation spiraling out of control. This is a practical way of showing that you are not on your own, our Branch members are here to support each other.
How will it work?
We have designed a simple application process so people can get a quick answer without unnecessary obstacles. We will ensure applications are dealt with in a way that is respectful and confidential. Your application will likely be reviewed by our Treasurer, Equalities Officer and one other Rep. At no point will your application be made known to your employer. We will aim to assess your application and return a decision to you within 2 weeks, but please indicate if there are pressing time constraints we should be aware of. We may, depending on the purpose of the award, request evidence of the award being put to that purpose for our own audit. Funds are limited. We will make every effort to ensure that they remain available throughout the year, but this cannot be guaranteed.
Eligibility
You simply have to be a permanent FCA or PSR employee and a member of Unite the Union for at least three months at the point of application.
Other support available to you through Unite the Union
As well as our Branch Unity Fund, Unite the Union also offers other financial benefits for ‘enhanced’ members such as:
- Sickness benefit up to £1,275
- Maternity/Adoption/Shared Parental Benefit up to £390
- Paternity Benefit up to £30
- Convalescent Benefit: Up to two weeks stay at the View Hotel Eastbourne
- Reduced Income Benefit
- Fatal Accident Benefit up to £50,000
- Permanent Disability Benefit up to £25,000
- Loss of Limb/Eye/Digit Benefits up to £10,000
Contact your Branch Officers and Reps to find out more about accessing these benefits depending on your circumstance or email uniteatfca@gmail.com