COVID-19 Hardship Fund

What: 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.
Why: Age Action and the Irish Red Cross know that some older people in vulnerable situation and at the highest risk of the corona virus will need additional supports over the coming weeks, particularly as they are now required to cocoon to protect themselves and others. This scheme is designed to provide immediate practical relief to assist in alleviating the hardships they experience due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
How: 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, family members supporting an older person and carers of older people, social workers and local voluntary organisations or community groups providing direct assistance to individuals within this target group.
What Can I Apply For: Any practical needs that are adding to your hardship as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic and increased social distancing restrictions of cocooning for over 70s. This can include costs of the following examples and other needs as they arise within the scope of this fund;

1. Small household maintenance, repairs and safety improvements
2. Food and basic provisions and associated delivery costs
3. Upgraded or New Small Appliances (fridge, freezer, washing machine, TV, cooker, etc.)
4. Providing Digital Technology Equipment, for example smart phones or tablets
5. Contribution towards increased energy costs or telephone bills
6. Contribution towards additional home or personal security costs
7. Contribution towards additional travel costs for essential reasons (medical appointments, etc.)

How Do I Apply: The COVID-19 Hardship Fund Application Form is available HERE or you can contact our offices to request a form by contacting us 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).
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.
We 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: The Fund will open on April 1st 2020 and the closing date for applications is 31st August 2020.
What Happens To Surplus Funds: Any remaining surplus funds will be used by Age Action & the Irish Red Cross to provide important supports to older people throughout Ireland.
Governance Reporting: A final report on the use of the fund will be provided to the Boards of Age Action & the Irish Red Cross.