The questions we get asked,
answered honestly.

If your question is not here, please get in touch directly — we do our best to add new questions to this page within a week of someone asking them.

On this page

01Applying
02Repayments
03Donations
04Privacy & trust
05Partners

01 · Applying

Applying.

Will applying affect my credit score?: No. We do not run a credit check during application. At the verification stage we may make a soft enquiry, which is invisible to other lenders and has no effect on your credit score.
How long does the whole process take?: From submitted application to funds in your account is typically 10–14 working days. Urgent cases (eviction notices, funerals, urgent medical) can be expedited and decided within 72 hours where evidence supports it.
Can I apply if I have existing debt?: Yes — most of our applicants do. We will often suggest applying alongside free, independent debt advice (StepChange, Citizens Advice or National Debtline). We have no commercial relationship with those services.
Do you only support certain faiths or communities?: No. Unity Relief UK serves anyone in the UK who meets the eligibility criteria, regardless of faith, ethnicity, language, sexuality, gender or immigration status.
Can I apply on behalf of someone else?: Generally no — the named applicant must be the person who will receive the funds. There are exceptions for kinship carers, parents applying for school-age children, and adults supporting elderly parents. Call us first if your situation is one of these.
What if I have already been declined elsewhere?: It is not held against you. We make our own assessment from scratch, on our own criteria. Many of our successful applicants were previously declined by credit unions, banks, or social-fund replacements.

02 · Repayments

Repayments.

What is the interest rate?: 0%. There is no interest, no fees, no charges of any kind. The amount you borrow is the exact amount you repay — to the penny, over the term you choose.
What if I can't repay one month?: You contact us and we adjust. Genuine hardship is met with payment holidays or a re-spread of the remaining balance — at no extra cost. We do not use debt collectors and we do not charge missed-payment fees of any kind.
Can I repay early?: Yes — at any time, in full or in part, with no penalty. Many borrowers do, and that money immediately enters the next round of lending.
Do you report to credit reference agencies?: No. Neither approvals nor missed payments are reported. Our lending sits outside the mainstream credit-reporting system entirely.
What happens if I genuinely cannot repay?: After hardship is established and evidenced (typically with free debt-advice support), we may write off the remaining balance. This is codified in our loan agreement — it is not a discretionary kindness.

03 · Donations

Donations.

How is my donation used?: 84p of every £1 goes to direct lending and beneficiary grants. 11p funds caseworkers and safeguarding. 5p covers governance, audit, technology and premises. Independently audited and published annually.
Is my donation eligible for Gift Aid?: Yes, if you are a UK taxpayer and tick the Gift Aid declaration. We claim 25p from HMRC for every £1 you donate, at no cost to you.
Can I direct my donation to a specific region or cause?: For donations over £5,000, yes — restricted funds can be agreed in writing. For smaller donations, your money joins the pooled lending fund, which gives us flexibility to support whoever is in greatest need that month.
Will you share my details with other charities?: No. We never sell, share or trade your contact details. We do not participate in donor-data exchanges of any kind.
Can I cancel a recurring donation?: Yes — at any time, with one click. Or call us on 0808 168 8540 and we will action it the same day.

04 · Privacy & trust

Privacy & trust.

Is my information confidential?: Yes. Applications are read only by named, trained caseworkers. We do not share details with credit reference agencies, employers, landlords or family members. Our full data practices are on the Privacy page.
Who decides on applications?: Decisions are made by trained caseworkers under a written decision framework, with a second-pair-of-eyes check on all approvals above £5,000. Trustees do not see individual applications and play no part in decisions.
How is Unity Relief UK regulated?: We are a registered charity (the Charity Commission and OSCR), registered with the Information Commissioner's Office, and a member of the Fundraising Regulator. As a non-commercial lender we are exempt from FCA authorisation under FSMA 2000.

05 · Partners

Partners.

How does my organisation refer someone?: Nominate a referral lead, who completes a 45-minute online induction. They then use our secure portal or phone any caseworker directly. Referrals are flagged priority — we respond within five working days.
Is there a cost to partner with you?: No, ever. Partner registration, induction, ongoing support and outcome reports are all free. We do not pay finder's fees and we never charge for referrals — in either direction.
Can we tailor a partnership to our service?: Yes. We have bespoke pathways for Discretionary Housing Payment top-ups, hospital discharge support, school uniform grants, and employer hardship funds. Email partnerships@unityrelief.org.uk to discuss.

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The questions we get asked, answered honestly.