This section is for retired members. Our retired members’ group works closely with other member groups on almost every issue that affects workers in the UK, as well as fighting for quality public services, on which many older people rely.
Welfare support
A message from NEC and national retired committee member Karen Poole
Hi, I would just like to introduce myself, my name is Karen Poole, and I have recently joined the NEC. One of the Committees I have been allocated is Retired Members. Prior to that I was an elected Trustee of There for You, which is a post I have held for 10 years. I am privilege to now remain as a Trustee on the Board but as an NEC member.
I see There for You as a critical part of Unison as it helps members when times are tough, and sadly this can happen at any point during our lives. This does not stop when you become retired members. There are several small grants available for all members to access, subject to criteria.
One grant which is due to the launched in the following months is the “Step into Spring” grant. As we move from Winter into Spring, we may require new shoes, and this grant provides some much-needed funds for people who are struggling to meet the financial challenges of today. Retired members are no different.
There are other grants that are available during different times of the year, so keep a look out on the Unison There for You website or check out the Unison Facebook page.
The application is easy to undertake and relatively straightforward. It is an online process but if you struggle with technology you can apply in the traditional way of paper applications.
There was always a scramble to submit applications, and the board took this on board and now the time frame is normally open for a period of 24 hours. Full details can be found on the website.
These small grants are extremely popular and it is clear that There for You services are much in demand. Sadly we have to “cap” applications for our small grants programme to ensure we meet our financial commitments.
The charity very much relies on donations from branches and over the last few years we have had to draw on our reserves to continue to provide this much need support to Unison members. In simple terms, when we have less in the bank, the interest earned is less. It is the interest earned that we use to provide grants together with donations received. We know the demand is out there because in 2024 there were over 7000 applications for the Winter Essentials grant but we had to cap it at 2000 as that was all we were able to budget for. We are therefore calling on all branches, and regions to consider donating to There for You.
For those of you who are not aware there is also the main grants program. This potentially can assist members with other much needed support. There are grants for white goods, ie cookers, fridges etc. I recently had a member in my own branch who’s heating had broken. They could not afford to purchase a new boiler and as a of their application they were awarded a grant which has enabled them to get a new boiler, and they now have heating and hot water. If in doubt, contact your branches Welfare Officer.
This service is available to ALL members including Retired members.
Please remember all applications are subject to criteria and are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Click on the link below to receive more information about:
- 2026 branch retired members national training dates
- 2026 regional training dates
- Train the trainer sign up
- Digital inclusion and digital skills training sessions
- Feedback and suggestions
- Link to the updated branch retired members handbook (to access an online version or order a hard copy)
Link to Retired Members 2025 – conference next steps
UNISON retired members have a wealth of experience and knowledge that make them a valuable part of UNISON campaigns.
Pension credit
Are you a couple – has one of you already reached state pension age while the other hasn’t?
Or is one over and one under 65?
From 15 May you will no longer be able to claim Pension Credit.
You will have to claim Universal Credit instead until you are both over state pension age, and could lose around £7,000 a year.
Are you single, over state pension age and on a low income?
Are you both over state pension age and on a low income?
The government says over 1 million people who should be claiming pension credit aren’t – saving the government £3 billion a year.
Should you be claiming?
Key issues
This section is about the key issues affecting retired members. Each key issue explains the facts behind the issue, what UNISON is doing and how you can get involved. You will also find news articles, useful resources and events.
Organising
Retired members meet as a self-organised group at branch, regional and national level. Find out what the different groups do and how they are organised.
Group structure and contacts
Find contact details for the national officer with responsibility for retired members.
