Self-Aid

Self-Aid constitutes a monthly grant with additional holiday grants paid at specific times of the year namely a winter-fuel payment and awards made to mark certain Jewish festivals: Passover, Rosh Hashanah and Chanukah.

Whilst the scheme is not strictly means tested, a person’s income, savings and expenditure are all taken into account when assessing eligibility. Also considered is the possibility of any private or family financial assistance and eligibility to any national welfare benefits.

Through Self-Aid the AJR can also make one-off grants for exceptional expenses or circumstances as long as the cost is defined, for example, the payment of synagogue fees and television licences, as well as additional homecare. All requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Where the amount required is a significant sum, interest-free loans may be available. In the event that the applicant is a homeowner, the AJR may request that the loan is secured against the property.