Without the support of the Fund I would have given up” RAF charity launches campaign to find veterans in need in Wales

For Roger Gard, of Ystradgynlais, the future was uncertain when, in 2015, a benefit review led to a drastic cut in his disability benefit.
After suffering from a stroke, the 66-year-old RAF veteran was drowning in paperwork, unable to complete the complicated forms needed to appeal the ruling.
Help was at hand, when Roger contacted the RAF’s leading welfare charity, the RAF Benevolent Fund who were able to assist Roger as part of their new Advice and Advocacy service.
A successful appeal by a Welfare Benefits Executive resulted in not only a reversal of the ruling but also a year’s worth of backdated benefits for Roger.
The welfare service was launched two years ago after research carried out by the RAF Benevolent Fund indicated many of its beneficiaries were not receiving state benefits they were entitled to, such as Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction or Universal Credit.
Since then, the service has helped more than 1,000 people access £1.5million in unclaimed benefits.
Roger says: “Without the support of the Fund I would have given up. I would have been at least £100 a week worse off and having that extra money makes a real difference to my quality of life.”
The charity has now launched a four-week campaign in Wales to find more people like Roger who may be in need of assistance.
Paul Hughesdon, Director of Welfare and Policy at the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: “Too often, RAF veterans simply don’t know that help is at hand Sometimes they think that their years in National Service weren’t enough to be eligible for consideration, that there is always someone more deserving than them, or they don’t want to trouble anyone with their problems. 
“But the message of our campaign is simple: If you or your partner were in the RAF and are in financial need, or you need advice and guidance, we will try to help.”
In addition to the assistance provided to Roger, the RAF Benevolent Fund helps with a range of issues including financial assistance with things like top-up fees for a dignified retirement, help to fund domiciliary care or providing mobility aids. The Fund’s Individual Support Service addresses the needs of the RAF family head on, providing tailored assistance to the vulnerable, isolated or bereaved.
If you know of someone who might be in need of some help, please do get in touch. For more information, please call 0800 169 2942 or visit our website at www.rafbf.org/help.