From: Simone Sav <simone@dlrppn.ie>
Subject: Hardship Fund for Older People – Deadline Friday, 24th of April 5:00pm
Date: 23 April 2020
Dear Kate
Age Action has launched a COVID-19 Hardship Fund in conjunction with the Irish Red Cross to respond to the immediate needs of older people in vulnerable situations across Ireland experiencing additional hardship as a result of the COVID-19 health crisis. This scheme is designed to provide immediate practical relief to assist in alleviating the hardships they experience due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Age Action and the Irish Red Cross has raised funds to provide additional assistance to older and vulnerable people around Ireland who are experiencing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic by making once-off grants, up to a maximum of €500, per person/household affected.
Who can Apply?
Older people in need of assistance, or individual advocates of older people. Note: In order for an application to be processed the signature and contact details of the older people must be on the application for verification. The applicant must be over 65, or, if applying on behalf of someone over 65 the details of how the fund will benefit the older person must be provided.
What Can be Applied for?
Any practical needs arising from additional costs that have arisen from Covid-19. Examples would be higher heating costs, food delivery and storage costs, technology to see loved ones during COVID-19. Note: applications will be strengthened when a detailed cost breakdown is provided.
How Do I Apply?
The COVID-19 Hardship Fund Application Form is available attached or you can contact the offices to request a form by contacting them at;
Email: hardship2020@redcross.ie
Phone: Irish Red Cross at 01 6424600 or Age Action at 01 475 6989
Please ensure that you clearly outline the need for which you are applying, how the grant will alleviate hardship and what it will be used for and details of the costs (up to a maximum of €500).
Return completed form to:-
“Private and Confidential”,
Irish Red Cross,
16 Merrion Square,
Dublin 2.
Or
Email: hardship2020@redcross.ie
For further information call: 01-6424600 or 01–475 6989
What Happens Next?
Age Action and the Irish Red Cross will assess applications and oversee distribution of funds on a weekly basis and successful applicants will be notified as soon as possible. A member of staff from Age Action or the Irish Red Cross will contact you if they need further information. They will ask that you verify that the funds are used for the purpose intended by supplying receipts and photographic evidence where possible.
When Can I Apply?
Due to the extent of inquiries and applications, response times will be delayed and the closing date for receipt of applications has been brought forward to Friday 24 April. We will process and assess all applications received up to 5pm Friday 24 April. If you have a time stamp dated 24 April on your envelope, they will accept this.
We would appreciate it if you could share the information with the members of your group as it might be relevant to them or their relatives. More information available by clicking here.
Best regards,
Simone
Simone Sav
Network Manager
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Public Participation Network
a: The Old Post Office, 7 Rock Hill, Main Street, Blackrock, Co. Dublin
w: dlrppn.ie e: simone@dlrppn.ie