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Our Special Needs Technology Grant is intended for families with school age children who need a high level of support with education, listening, speaking or understanding. The grant will provide the child with technology which has the potential to improve their quality of life and/or change educational outcomes. The household must be receiving benefits to be eligible.
How does a Special Needs Technology Grant work?
We understand that every child’s support needs are different. Eligible families can make an application for technology that they believe will make a considerable difference to their child’s life. As part of the application process, we ask for the contact details of a third-party verifier (preferably a special needs coordinator from the child’s school or special support worker) who can confirm that the technology will make a significant impact to the child’s life and/or education.
If you would like to discuss options for your child before making an application, please do not hesitate to contact us on postalfamilyfund@royalmail.com.
How much is the grant?
The technology to support the child will be issued directly to the family if the application is successful. Applications will be capped at one item of hardware and one item of software per child with a maximum spend of £1,500.
When do I apply?
This grant will be opening in January 2027. If you need a reminder, please sign up for our newsletter.
Who can apply?
Royal Mail or Post Office employee or pensioner (including a spouse or partner) who is responsible for a child in Reception to Year 13 (aged 4 to 18 years old) who has special educational or medical needs. We would expect the child to be attending a specialist educational needs school or for their school to have put in place specialist provision for the child.
Employees must have worked for RM/PO Ltd for a minimum of 2 years and their household must be receiving Universal Credit (including income support) as well as Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Carer’s Allowance for the child they are applying for. Please check the detailed eligibility criteria before you apply.
Applications are capped at one per child.
How to Apply
Your application will be dealt with in strict confidence. It will only be seen by the Postal Family Fund team.
Check Eligibility
Please check the Special Needs Technology Grant eligibility criteria before you apply.
Create Account
To apply, simply create a Postal Family Fund account to access your Special Needs Technology Grant application form.
Complete Application
Fully complete the application form. We’ll then get in touch and request any additional supporting documents.
Trustee Review
Your application will be reviewed by our trustees who will announce their decision by writing to you.
FAQs - Special Needs Technology Grant
Who can apply for the Special Needs Technology Grant?
The Applicant must be an employee or pensioner of Royal Mail or Post Office Ltd.
Serving Royal Mail (RM) or Post Office Ltd plc employees (who have parental responsibility for the young person) must have a minimum of 2 years continuous service with Royal Mail or Post Office Ltd.
The employees’ household must be in receipt of the following benefits: Universal Credit (including income support) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Carer’s Allowance for the child they are applying for.
If you have any questions about your eligibility, please contact postalfamilyfund@royalmail.com
Who can I apply for?
A school aged child who needs a high level of support with education, learning, listening, speaking or understanding.
Are there any age restrictions?
The young person for whom the grant is sought must be between 4 and 18 at the date of application.
What types of technology can I apply for?
There is no prescriptive list of what can applied for as every solution is bespoke to the child’s support needs. We are therefore open to applications of funding for technological devices which have the potential to impact quality of life and/or change educational outcomes. For example, it may be a communication support system, sensory or motor support technologies, or assistive reading and writing tools.
If you would like to discuss options for your child before making an application, please do not hesitate to contact us.
What evidence is needed and when?
Evidence of postal worker employment/pension and most recent benefit entitlements from the applicant. We will also request supporting evidence of the child’s medical/ educational needs.
We will need the email address of the special needs co-ordinator from their school or special support worker who can vouch that the technology would benefit the child. We ask that you let this person know that we will be in contact with them.
How is the decision made?
The Trustees can exercise their discretion. It is therefore important that the application form is fully completed, and all relevant information included, on which the Trustees will base their decision.
When will I know the result of my application?
Our decision will be emailed to the email address of the applicant parent or guardian given on the form.
What will be received and how?
The technology device will be delivered directly to the applicant. The type of device and/or software will be agreed between the Postal Family Fund and the applicant. The device provided is non-exchangeable, non-transferable and no cash alternative is offered. Once the device has been received, it is the responsibility of the applicant to upkeep the technology.
Can I appeal a decision?
The decision of the Trustees is final. There is no right of appeal. This bursary being a charitable gift does not form part of the applicant’s contract of employment with Royal Mail or Post Office Ltd. Postal Family Fund is an independent organisation with charitable status and is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (reference 37-BEN).
Our History
Supporting postal families for over 150 year
Formerly known as The Post Office Orphans Benevolent Institution (POOBI), the Postal Family Fund is a charitable organisation that helps Royal Mail Group & Post Office Ltd families with children who are experiencing difficulties and are in need of a little extra support.
The charity was established in 1870 by staff from the General Post Office (a forerunner of Royal Mail Group& Post Office Ltd) to help the families of their colleagues who faced hardship as a result of death or chronic illness or disability.
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"It is very hard to access his mind due to high stress levels, chaos, and loss of control. The computer will make an enormous difference. It makes learning truly accessible for him."
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