How We Can Help

A small weekly allowance can be granted to those widows of ex-Servicemen or to ex-Servicewomen who are over 60 and live alone, on very low incomes or in real hardship owing to age, ill health or other difficulties. Women under 60 may qualify for this allowance if they are in receipt of a disability benefit.

This scheme was named in honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, who was president at the time of its launch.

The scheme provides sponsorship through educational grants and offers respite breaks for families which may include a disabled member. There is particular emphasis on respite for child carers.

Who can apply?

• Ex-Service women (who have served for at least seven days) and their dependants
• Wives and widows of ex-Servicemen (with at least seven days' service) and their dependants
• Dependants of a couple including one ex-Serving member where the couple may now be separated

Scholarships

Education Scholarships of £1000 per annum per person are available for three age groups:

9-13 years
13-18 years
18-21 years

Grants

Grants of £500 per year per person are available for applicants over 21 years. Mature and part-time students may apply, as can those on re-training programmes or who need funding support for other educational opportunities.

Rest and recuperation is vital for mothers and children - especially in cases of disability. Young carers can also benefit from such respite breaks.

Who can apply?

• One parent families with dependent children who have no hope of having leisure time together
• One parent families with children with a disability requiring respite break
• Disabled single mother with dependant children requiring respite break as a family
• Young carers looking after dependants, parents or siblings who are in need of a respite break as a family

To find out if you qualify or for further information:

Email: Women's Section

Tel:+44 (0)20 7973 7225

The Royal British Legion
Women's Section
48 Pall Mall
London SW1Y 5JY

 I have been a member of the Women's Section since 1953, serving at branch and County level as an officer and also as a welfare visitor.

During the past year I sadly lost my husband after a long period of ill health. During this time I was constantly using our savings to give him the best care I could, keeping him at home when the hospital wanted to put him into a care home. This meant I had to retire earlier than I planned.

Following my husband's death, I was left with just my pension to live on. Since my outgoings included ground rent, service charge and insurance of our house I was finding it a great struggle to make ends meet.

Fortunately my difficult financial situation came to the attention of the Women's Section National Welfare Advisor. She suggested that I apply for the Women's Section Widow's allowance and 3 weeks later I heard that I had been granted the £10 per week allowance.

On top of this the National Welfare Officer contacted other charities to see if they would contribute to pay off a debt for a new central heating system which I had had to have installed. As I write, I heard from the Women's Section that they have managed to almonise £1,500.00 from several different charities to help me pay for this.

I cannot thank the Women's Section enough for the help and support they have given me.

Women's Section member

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