One of the many difficulties that can face any of us when living with chronic illness or disability is being able to work. Chronic illness or disability could mean that someone is restricted to a particular role, specific hours or is unable to work at all. Understandably this can leave someone suffering financially and being unable to purchase the necessities that many who are able to work take for granted.

If you are faced with being unable to work, have to work reduced hours or receive limited income, please explore what financial benefits are available to you from the state. This can be complex depending on individual situations and for that reason we do not offer specific guidance or advice on state benefits. IA strongly recommends you speak with your local Citizen’s Advice who can give you specific, up to date advice about your own particular circumstances.

IA does, however, offer small grants to its members who are living with an ileostomy or an internal pouch and who are struggling financially to purchase a much-needed item. This could be a new washing machine, a new bed (or specific mattress) or bedding, to name a few examples.

There are some scenarios in which IA is unable to accept an application for financial assistance – this could be where you are maintaining your house, paying rent or mortgage, anything that is not considered a necessity (based on your own personal circumstance) or could be funded by the NHS.

Applications for financial support are only available to IA members who have undergone surgery for an ileostomy or internal pouch and can be made by completing the application form downloaded below. As part of the application process applicants will be required to disclose a list of their income and expenditure.

Each application will be considered carefully by the Welfare Sub Committee, with grants being awarded to those members who best satisfy the criteria as laid down in the fund guidelines. All information will be treated in the strictest confidence to assess your application.

If you would like to make a donation to IA to enable us to help others, please contact IA National Office.