WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Any member of the Catenian Association, (no matter how long or short his membership), or a Widow of a deceased Brother may apply for assistance if he/she is in financial difficulties or dependant members of the family are in difficulties. In the latter case this would be, but not exclusively, the children of a deceased Brother who were financially dependant upon him to a greater or lesser extent at his death and whose need for support continues after his death.
If the need is such that it falls within the Scheme, the applicant will receive whatever aid the Trustees agree as appropriate to the requirement. The definition of ‘dependent’ is widely drawn and gives the Trustees a correspondingly wide discretion as to who is within the scheme.
The Fund is able to provide assistance to members and their dependents who are in conditions of need, hardship or distress.
The Fund
The Fund is operating in the field of “relief of need” and, as such, will not normally give aid until the potential beneficiary has identified and applied for all relevant statutory benefits. Help is given in advance of benefits coming through when necessary.
The Managing Trustees
The Managing Trustees meet every two months to consider all current applications. Decisions reached are immediately passed back to the CBB. Grants are available immediately after their approval. Loans can take a little longer to process, though temporary help can be made available pending a Loan being processed.
The Managing Trustees can, in urgent cases, consider applications before a formal meeting. In such circumstances a small number of Managing Trustees meet (via email/Zoom/phone) to discuss such cases when they are submitted, and this body has authority to immediately approve applications up to specific amounts.
Your Next Move
Find out the procedures required to put into action the next stages of funding.
Trust & Confidentiality
All benevolent cases are treated as strictly confidential to the members of the Circle Benevolent Board.
What is 'Need'?
Find out what is meant by “need” as set out in the Legal Document relating to the Fund.
