A hardship fund has been set up to respond to the immediate needs of older people in vulnerable situations during this time of self-isolation and cocooning.
The fund has been established by Age Action and the Irish Red Cross.
Once-off grants, up to a maximum of €500, per person/household affected are being made available to address those practical needs that may be adding to a person’s or household’s hardship as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as they are required to cocoon.
The money can go towards small household maintenance, repairs and safety improvements, food and basic provisions and associated delivery costs.
It can be used to purchase digital technology equipment, or to repair or replace small or new appliances such as fridges and freezers, while it can also go towards paying for increased energy costs or telephone bills and other purposes.
Further details about the COVID-19 Hardship Fund and the application form are available at the Age Action or Irish Red Cross websites, or you can contact their offices to request a form at the following numbers:
Irish Red Cross at 01 642 4600
Age Action at 01 475 6989
For updated and factual Public Health information and advice on COVID-19 Coronavirus, please visit hse.ie/coronavirus or call 1800 700 700
For the latest information on the Covid-19 Vaccine Programme, please visit hse.ie/covid-19-vaccine
