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Have questions about MCF grants? This Q&A article explains what qualifies as a drop in income, the application process, and who is eligible for support, ensuring you have the information you need to seek help.

I have heard that to qualify for a MCF grant, my household must have experienced an unexpected drop in income. What can be considered a drop in income?

A drop in income is when someone in your household either loses their job or has to stop work due to ill health, bereavement, or taking on a caring role at home. There could be other circumstances where there has been an unexpected drop in income and our enquiries team we would be happy to answer any questions. Please call them on 0800 035 60 90.

I want to apply for support from the MCF. Where do I begin?

Your first step should be to talk to your Lodge Almoner and see what help they can provide you. Some Lodges are able to support their members in times of need, so it’s always worth asking them. If the support you require is more extensive, then please call our enquiries line on 0800 035 60 90.

Will the MCF help me with my application for support?

Yes. The MCF can help you with your application. In most cases, our Advice and Support team or one of our Visiting Volunteers will visit you at home and complete your application. This allows the MCF to obtain all of the information needed to complete the application and ensure that you can get the help that you need.

The Advice and Support team can also support you in other ways by: discussing financial difficulties; reviewing the options for care needs, exploring how mobility aids can help you maintain independence, offering practical advice on education and well-being of children, and directing you to state and local authority benefits, as well as services from other charitable organisations.

My children’s grandfather was a Freemason, are they eligible for MCF support?

In many cases, yes. You can apply for MCF on behalf of a grandchild of a Freemason.

Our criteria for supporting family members of Freemasons is broadly defined as someone who has a strong family connection to a Freemason belonging to a Lodge under the United Grand Lodge of England. The Freemason does not need to be a currently subscribing member, but he must have joined before the need arose. (Check: I think the grandfather needs to have been alive when their grandchild was born.)

Please be aware that if the Freemason’s membership is not active, there is a set period of time after the membership ended in which an application can be submitted.

We define those with a strong family connection as a Freemason’s:

• married or life partner
• widow or surviving partner
• divorced or separated partner
• child or stepchild (under 25) in full-time education
• grandchild or step grandchild (under 25) in full-time education

Other relations may also qualify for support if they can demonstrate that a Freemason has provided them with significant financial or physical support.

If you’re unsure, please complete our eligibility checker on our site here mcf.org.uk/Eligibility-BL14