The Royal British Legion, the UK's largest charity dedicated to supporting the Armed Forces community, has launched a new grant scheme for veterans and their families who are struggling to pay their energy bills.

The charity said: " We know how tough things are at the moment, especially with the very large increases to the cost of living we are experiencing. Because of this RBL have launched the Everyday Needs Grants Programme. This programme is designed to assist people who need help in a quick and easy way with everyday essentials such as kitchen appliances, clothes, and energy costs. "

The programme is open to anyone who is eligible for Legion support who is struggling ... you can apply online with the below link.

https://www.lightningreach.org/application-portal?referral=rbl

Further information on how the beneficiary can register to apply for the everyday needs grant can be found on the following link: www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-support/financial-and-employment-support/finance/grants/everyday-needs-grants

It will pay up to £2,400 a year. It's estimated there are two million UK armed forces veterans, If your application is successful, you'll get up to £200 a month for up to 12 months – the exact amount and duration will vary depending on your circumstances. You won't have to reapply every month, just once.

The charity told news outlet that it has seen a 20% rise in requests for support with urgent needs, such as food and household costs, over the past 12 months.

Some members of the Armed Forces community are more vulnerable to rising costs than others, according to the Royal British Legion, with its research previously finding that working-age veterans were more likely to be sick or disabled than other UK adults of the same age.