NASUWT Benevolent Fund

The NASUWT Benevolent Fund, administered by the UK's largest teachers' union, provides confidential, compassionate short-term financial relief to current and former NASUWT members, their dependants, and families of deceased members facing unforeseen hardship from illness, bereavement, accidents, or involuntary job loss. Established to uphold the union's commitment to its education professionals, it emphasises practical, one-off support through a network of local Benevolent Federations and a central Legal and Casework Team, ensuring timely aid integrated with union structures for UK-wide coverage.

It funds essential living costs like council tax arrears, convalescence, cooker replacements, and limited educational needs, prioritising acute crises over long-term solutions to restore stability without fault-based judgments, provided applicants have paid union subscriptions.

Eligibility is strictly for individuals (not organisations or charities) with household savings under £5,000, residing anywhere in the UK; no income thresholds apply beyond proving financial distress via full income/expenditure evidence. Applications start via phone or email to a Local Association Secretary or the Legal Team, followed by a mandatory in-home assessment by a trained Benevolence Visitor who completes the form—rolling basis with no deadlines or invitations needed.

Grants typically range £300–£500 as non-repayable one-offs (up to £500 locally, larger centrally), excluding legal fees, private medical/dental care, school fees, courses, housing, loan repayments, or student debt. Its visitor-led, member-exclusive model distinguishes it as a union-embedded safety net for teachers in crisis, focusing on immediate empathy rather than systemic change.