How can we help you

paying bills | credit cards and debts | what we do not do

We aim is to help members of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) who, because of sickness, accident or other unforeseen circumstance, need some short-term help. We only provide temporary assistance. We cannot subsidise members who, in the long-term, find it difficult to make a living from journalism. In such circumstance we must recommend you seek alternative work.

We provide similar help to former members of the NUJ, providing they resigned from the union and did not lapse owing the NUJ money.

We also regularly top up the incomes of dependents of deceased members, such as widows and orphans. We calculate a weekly income and top up pensions and benefits to that amount, sending money on a monthly basis. Our figures are revised each year.

Paying bills

For members and former members facing hardship, we concentrate on the bills and debts that could lead to court cases or homelessness. So we will pay rent and mortgages sooner than store card bills, for example. It is our policy, when helping with bills or payments for rent, to pay the grant direct to the supplier or landlord. It is rare for use to send individuals money.

We are happy to consider requests for help purchasing equipment such as wheelchairs or to pay for minor home adaptations but we very rarely buy computer or photographic equipment. We advise you to make sure you are adequately insured against loss of this sort of equipment.

We have provided new beds and bedding, fridges and freezers as well as specialist medical equipment. We are flexible and will help where we can. We also work closely with other charities and often share the costs of larger items or major home improvements.

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Credit cards and major debts

Many applications received are for assistance with large credit card or other debts. We understand that many people use credit when their circumstances take a turn for the worse. However, although we will assist members with utility bills or similar, we cannot spend charitable funds to help pay off credit card or other large debts. We do advise credit counselling, perhaps coming to an agreement with creditors or declaring yourself bankrupt.

All applicants must complete an application form and give as much information as possible about income and reserves. We believe that our charitable funds should not be used to replace state benefits so applicants must claim all state benefits to which they are entitled.

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What we do not do

We do not pay solicitor’s fees or other legal bills. We do not pay for private medicine or private education and would not normally consider someone paying for these to be in need of our help.

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NUJ Extra is based at the NUJ's head office in London. The address is: Headland House, 308-312 Gray's Inn Road, London, WC1X 8DP.

If you have any questions regarding how we can help, please contact our administrator, Lena Calvert, on 020 7278 7916 or by email

Link: National Union of Journalists (opens a new window)