Mr A is 55 and has been helped several times by the Military Aid Fund since 1993, having served in the 1st Battalion in the 1980s. He has a complex medical history with some respiratory as well as mental conditions preventing him from working. During the COVID-19 Pandemic he was overpaid with his allowances/pensions by DWP who have suddenly demanded the return of all the money in one go, which has caused him enormous stress. He was visited by several former soldiers as he was suicidal, who report that he still maintains good personal standards. The debt of £750 was cleared immediately by the Military Aid Fund. But within a month, it was reported by SSAFA that he was now in need of a new bed, mattress, and carpet. SSAFA also reported that he was in a very bad way mentally and that they were quite concerned about him. This subsequent requirement has been split between the Military Aid Fund, The Army Benevolent Fund and the Royal British Legion
Mr B is 69 and served in the 1st Battalion in the 1970s. He is in receipt of a small works pension as well as his state pension, but his weekly income is £276 with outgoings of £180. He shares a flat with his brother and his sister is nearby as his other carer. His medical conditions include Diabetes, COPD, Bladder Cancer and has ulcerated and swollen legs; he takes inhalers and is almost constantly on oxygen. He has use of a Zimmer frame inside and walks with a stick outside. An initial visit by the Defence Medical Services (DMWS) revealed that he has been living with a broken bed and chair which are dirty and need replacement. The Occupational Therapist has recommended a new single profiling bed, a new riser recliner chair to assist with transfer and enable him to elevate his leg to reduce swelling at a total cost of approximately £2,750. He was granted £1,000 by the Military Aid Fund.
Mrs C is the widow of a private soldier who died in early 2022 at the age of 53, having served in the 1st Battalion in the 1980s. She is currently unemployed having given up her job to care for him, she has now been left with a funeral bill of £1,885. She has applied for Universal Credits etc but currently has no income, and her outgoings are £350. She was granted £1,000 by the Military Aid Fund with the remainder coming from the Army Benevolent Fund.
Mr D is 77 and served in the 1st Battalion in the 1960s and 70s. His weekly income of £160 from his state pension is matched by his outgoings of £155. He lives on his own, though is regularly seen by his daughter, In the past he’s had a stroke, and currently has a colostomy. His garden is a total mess, and he needs someone to sort it out and put the debris on the pavement before the Council will take it away, costed at £732. Although this case is being handled by the Royal British Legion, it apparently falls outside their eligibility criteria for assistance. The bill was therefore paid by the Military Aid Fund.
