Supporting postal people through financial difficulties

The Rowland Hill Fund provides practical financial support to people working in, retired from, or previously employed in the postal industry.

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Can I apply?

You can make an application if you work, have worked, or have a proved connection, with:

  • Royal Mail

  • Post Office Ltd

  • Parcelforce Worldwide

  • Royal Mail Property & Facilities Solutions

You should be a direct employee. We are unable to accept applications from agency staff.

Applicants must have completed at least 6 months of full or part-time service, on a permanent or fixed-term contract.

Applicants should have savings of less than £12,000 (including the value of any assets e.g. shares, second properties, cryptocurrency, land etc).

What we can support

If you're a postal worker, retiree, or family member facing financial hardship, the Rowland Hill Fund may be able to provide a grant to help with essential costs and unexpected emergencies, including:

  • Debt Relief Order (DRO) or bankruptcy fees

  • Funeral costs for a close family member

  • Rent or mortgage payments

  • Utility and household bills

  • Emergency home repairs

  • Mobility aids and specialist equipment

  • Disability adaptations

  • Unexpected financial emergencies

Our grants are designed to provide practical financial support when it is needed most, helping postal workers and their families regain stability and move forward with confidence.

What we are unable to support

To ensure our limited funds reach those facing the greatest financial hardship, there are some costs that we are unable to support, including:

  • Private medical treatment

  • General cost-of-living applications

  • Strike pay

  • Loan or credit card repayments

  • Weddings and celebrations

  • Sending money outside the UK

  • Car repairs and maintenance

  • Veterinary fees

  • Broadband and internet services

If you're unsure whether you may be eligible for support, please contact us for an informal and confidential discussion at rowland.hill.fund@royalmail.com

You can submit your application through Lightning Reach

The secure portal allows you to apply to the Rowland Hill Fund, while offering support from additional providers, quickly and easily.

Start your application
Start your application

“Thank you so much for paying towards my roof repairs. A huge worry has been lifted off my shoulders”

- Grant recipient

FAQs

The application process

  • Step 1: Submit your application

    Apply online here.

    By email or telephone, you will speak with a trained adviser to discuss:

    • What you are applying for

    • Income, expenditure and savings

    • Relevant documents e.g. recent bank statements, Royal Mail service, medical information and cost estimates

    Step 2: Your application is processed

    The advisor will prepare a report based on your application. They will submit this to the RHF panel.

    The Fund follows careful guidelines to ensure awards are fair and consistent. An application is not a guarantee of assistance.

    Step 3: A decision is made

    It is possible to receive the outcome of your application within four weeks, although many decisions are made sooner.

    If successful, the grant will be transferred to the relevant party shortly afterwards.

  • The grant you might receive is calculated on a case-by-case basis. This will be discussed with your caseworker during the application process.

  • As a small charity with limited funds, we carefully review each case on its individual merits. In order to do this, you will need to provide personal data which may include bank statements, proof of employment, housing and utility bills, and health documentation.

  • Unfortunately, we do not accept these applications. If your income does not cover your outgoings, we would recommend speaking with StepChange Debt Charity (0800 138 1111) or your local Citizens Advice Bureau.

  • The application process takes approximately 4 weeks. We are unable to provide immediate help unless there are exceptional circumstances such as a house fire. Please contact us for an informal discussion if you find yourself in a similar situation.

  • The Fund do not provide loans. If your application is successful, your grant does not need to be repaid.

  • The Fund’s decision is final. As a charitable grant, there is no entitlement. It does not form part of your contract of employment with Royal Mail or Post Office Ltd.

  • The Fund is a small charity with limited resources. It considers support for those facing unexpected financial challenges. The Fund does not provide ongoing financial support.

    If your income does not cover your outgoings, we would recommend speaking with StepChange Debt Charity (0800 138 1111) or your local Citizens Advice Bureau.

Third parties and BT

  • If you are a third-party organisation, you can apply on behalf of a client with their consent.

    We accept the SSAFA Form A and will ask for bank statements and proof of current or past service.

  • If you worked for BT at any time, please contact the BT Benevolent Fund.

After a decision has been made

  • Grants are made to the relevant third party, for example, your mortgage provider, landlord , a local Council or an independent retailer.

  • The Fund’s decision is final. As a charitable grant, there is no entitlement. It does not form part of your contract of employment with Royal Mail or Post Office Ltd.

  • Unfortunately we do not provide feedback on why an application has been unsuccessful. We consider each case on its individual merit. As a small charity, we ensure that we review all information provided by the applicant in a fair and consistent way. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that their application is representative and comprehensive.