Sailors’ Children’s Society

Website: https://sailorschildren.org.uk/
Apply for help: https://sailorschildren.org.uk/ (Apply for Help section)
Charity coverage: United Kingdom-wide support for eligible families.

What this organisation does

Sailors’ Children’s Society is a national charity that has been supporting children of seafarers since 1821. The charity helps families experiencing financial and emotional hardship where a parent has earned their living at sea or on inland waterways. The Society has supported more than 50,000 disadvantaged children of seafarers throughout the UK.

The charity supports families connected with:

Merchant Navy careers
Royal Navy service
Fishing fleets
Ferries
Cruise ships
Cargo shipping
Offshore industries
Inland canals and rivers

This service may be particularly relevant for seafarers, fishers and their dependants who are facing financial pressures and need additional support for children’s welfare and wellbeing.

Who can use the service

Families may be eligible if:

A parent has served at sea for at least six months.
The parent has worked in the Royal Navy, Merchant Navy, fishing industry, ferries, tankers, cruise ships, cargo vessels or similar seafaring occupations.
There is at least one dependent child under 18 years of age.
The applicant is the person receiving Child Benefit for the child or children.
The family receives qualifying means-tested state benefits, such as Housing Benefit, the Housing Element of Universal Credit, or qualifying Council Tax support.

Eligibility criteria may change. Applicants should confirm current requirements directly with the charity before applying.

Support available

The Society provides practical financial assistance and family support, including:

Child Welfare Grants

Monthly grants paid for each eligible child to help with everyday living costs and family needs.

Clothing Grants

Payments made twice each year to help with:

School uniform costs
Winter clothing and essentials for children

Special Grants

Additional funding may be available for:

Educational trips
Essential items for children
Other exceptional child-related needs

Christmas Grants

Small grants provided to help ensure children receive a gift during the festive period.

Respite Break Funding

Families receiving support from the charity may apply for assistance towards a respite break.

Family Support

The charity offers access to family support services for eligible families receiving assistance.

Features and benefits

The service can help eligible seafaring families to:

Reduce financial pressure on household budgets.
Meet essential costs associated with raising children.
Pay for school uniforms and seasonal clothing.
Access support for educational opportunities.
Obtain help with unexpected child-related expenses.
Enjoy family respite opportunities.
Receive ongoing support through periods of hardship.
Improve wellbeing and stability for children and families.

How to get help

Visit the Sailors’ Children’s Society website.
Review the eligibility requirements.
Access the “Apply for Help” section.
Complete the application process and provide any requested evidence of eligibility.
Contact the charity directly if you are unsure whether your maritime background qualifies for support.

Website: https://sailorschildren.org.uk/

Things to check before contacting them

Before making an application, it may be helpful to have:

Details of the parent's seafaring employment or service history.
Evidence of dependent children under 18.
Child Benefit information.
Details of means-tested benefits currently received.
Information about any specific financial or welfare needs affecting the family.

Useful links

Official website: https://sailorschildren.org.uk/
About the charity: https://sailorschildren.org.uk/
Apply for help: https://sailorschildren.org.uk/
Donation information: https://sailorschildren.org.uk/