We aim to be that safe space for you to reach out to when dealing with anything from everyday stresses to difficult exceptional situations. Whether you're looking for financial and UK debt support, mental health advice or would just like a listening ear, our team are here throughout the festive break.
financial support
If you're struggling with the cost-of-living, debt or high energy costs, our means-tested financial support can help. We'll take into account your household’s income, expenditure and capital; we recommend talking to us before you assume you can't receive financial support.
energy costs payment
This payment is a fixed sum of £450 to help you pay for gas, oil and electric bills. If you’re living outside the UK, it can also be put towards air conditioning, batteries and generators.
Find out more below, or contact us to check if you're eligible.
financial support and grants
Take a look at our financial support round-up to find out what we can help with. You won't have to pay back any payment you receive; it's there to help you through short-term periods of financial uncertainty.
You’ll have a dedicated support officer to help you during each stage.
emotional and relationship support
The festive season can put a strain on our mental health and family relationships. If you're struggling with relationship hardship and are based in the UK, we can put you in touch with our partners at Relate who can discuss your situation and provide solutions.
You can access Qwell, an online counselling and mental health support service for adults where you can talk to a qualified professional and discuss whatever is on your mind. If you're based outside of the UK, speak to us about how we can support your mental health.
4 tips to de-stress
Managing your mental health is important all year round, but especially during the festive time. Take a look at our top tips to help combat any stresses you may be facing.
have a digital detox
Social media and news stories can be overwhelming during the festive season. Taking a digital break will allow you to focus on what’s important and prevent comparisons with others. Try listening to mindful podcasts instead and get outside in nature.
put things into perspective
Getting into debt is a slippery slope that can happen to anyone. Remember, the festivities aren’t about how much money you can spend; overspending on the day itself isn’t worth getting into debt over.
take care of yourself
Take time to reconnect with the people and things that mean the most to you. If you're able to, take a break from work and reconnect with the things that make you the most happy.
don't take on too much
Sometimes we say 'yes' too often! It’s okay to say no to social occasions if you don't have the money to spend, or would prefer to spend time alone or with family. Get enough sleep and prioritise your own health and mental wellbeing.
cutting costs
save energy at home
Take a look at some of our tips for how to save energy at home to help you reduce high energy bills.
save money on food
There are many ways you can cut costs on your food shopping. Here are some practical tips to stretch your food budget.
budgeting 101
Our experts share their tips for how to build your budget and get on top of financial difficulty such as debt.
new year, new courses
Choose between enhanced interactive webinars, shorter espresso sessions and in-depth e-learning courses and you’ll receive a whole host of invaluable knowledge to apply in your everyday life.
our helpful tools
Get your finances on track with our array of financial tools.
budget planners
These tools will help you to create an in-depth budget plan, giving a breakdown of income and expenditure.
savings calculator
If you're looking to get a hold of your savings and organise your finances, this tool is for you.
pension calculator
Use our tool to find out your estimated retirement income and set financial targets for your pension.
your questions answered
Who is eligible for support?
We support past and present members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW), ACA students, ICAEW staff members, and the family and carers of members and students.
- No matter where your career takes you, past and present members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England Wales (ICAEW) are eligible for caba’s services for life, even if you change your career and leave accountancy
- ACA students (ICAEW Provisional Members) who are either an active student or have been an active student within the last three years are eligible for caba's services
- Past and present staff members of the ICAEW or caba are eligible for caba's services for life, even if you leave either organisation. Please note, for former employees, our financial support is only available to those who have had five years continuous employment with either organisation
- Family members and carers of either an eligible past or present ICAEW member, ACA student or past or present employee of the ICAEW or caba are eligible for caba's support. We define a family member as a:
- spouse, civil partner or cohabiting partner
- widow, widower or surviving civil partner who has not remarried or cohabiting with a partner
- divorced spouse or civil partner who has not remarried or cohabiting with a partner
- child aged up to 25. Please note, children aged between 16 and 25 are not eligible for individual financial support
- any other person who is dependent on the eligible individual supporting them financially or are reliant on the eligible individual’s care
- any other person on whom the eligible individual is reliant, either financially or for care
You can find out more about our available support both in the UK and around the world on our support we offer page.
Are your services means-tested?
If you need financial support, we carry out a means test where we consider income, expenditure, capital and assets.
*Please note none of our other services are means-tested.
How confidential is caba? Do you report members to the ICAEW?
Everything you tell us is kept in the strictest of confidence. We don't share your personal information with any third parties, and that includes ICAEW. caba is a separate organisation from ICAEW and is an independent charity with its own board of trustees. We do not have a duty to report anything to ICAEW.
Can caba pay for my ICAEW membership fees?
If you’re struggling to pay your subscriptions, we're able to offer financial assistance which is means tested based on your household income. Whatever your situation, we're always here to offer advice to help you manage your finances.
How long does it take to receive financial support?
It depends on the individual situation, but we can work very quickly if it’s an emergency.
download our financial support flowchart