The Officers' Association is committed to providing assistance to anyone, male or female, who has held a commission in any of Her Majesty's Forces, or their widows or dependants.

Applicants are offered advice on a wide range of subjects and if the Association cannot itself provide the answer, then every endeavour is made to direct the enquirer to an appropriate source where a solution may be found.

The Benevolence Department of the Officers' Association produces a number of advice papers specifically about accommodation in residential care, nursing homes and sheltered housing, as well as on the financial assistance which should be available from the State. Advice includes information about State support towards home fees in needy cases and the means of obtaining it; information is also provided on the availability of charitable help from the Officers' Association.

• Cash grants to those in financial distress
  
• Continuing allowances to those with very small incomes
  
• Help towards residential care or nursing homes for those needing such accommodation and who are unable to find a suitable home within their means or the DSS assistance limits
  
• Limited help with education or training needs (in special circumstances only)
  
• Assistance with convalescence fees or a holiday break - if on limited small incomes

Every case is considered on its merits and no one should be deterred from seeking our help; even if financial need or eligibility is not established, advice can be given on other sources of help or courses of action.

The Association has a wide network of Honorary Representatives throughout the United Kingdom and abroad who carry out casework by visiting applicants in their own homes to discuss problems in privacy and to offer immediate advice. Should you wish to become an Honorary Representative, please contact the Benevolence Secretary.

All enquiries to: The Benevolence Department 020 7808 4175 / 020 7808 4176 or 0845 873 7150 / 0845 873 7151