debt advice
Debt can affect anyone at any time. If you need help managing debt, setting a repayments plan or dealing with the stress that debt can cause, we can help.
Most people have been hit by some level of financial pressure throughout their lives, including those within the ICAEW community. When our finances start to feel out of control, this can have a knock-on effect on our mental and physical wellbeing and feel like a heavy weight that’s hard to shift. Whether you're looking for debt advice, help on budgeting or benefits, our dedicated support team are on hand.
If you’re a current or retired ICAEW member or staff member, ACA student, spouse or dependent of an accountant, our free, bespoke financial support is available to help you get back on your feet.
our services
Our means-tested financial support can help to pay for essential home repairs, energy costs, care home top-up fees and car repairs and maintenance. If you're struggling to pay for essential living expenses such as mortgage or rental payments and even ICAEW membership fees, we may be able to assist. Read more about the financial support we offer to help you manage the increasing cost of living.
energy costs payment
Keeping your home at a reasonable temperature is important for your health and wellbeing, but as energy costs are rising, you may find this cost unmanageable. Our energy costs payment is a fixed sum of £450 to help you pay for gas, oil, electric and water bills. This is on top of any other payment from the government. If you’re living outside the UK, it can also be used towards air conditioning, batteries and generators.
back to school payment
Getting your children ready for a new school year can be expensive. Our back to school discretionary donation is a fixed sum to help cover these costs. The money can be used to buy school uniform, shoes, PE kits and other school essentials. Applications for 2023 donations are open from May-October and your financial situation will be assessed before granting of the payment.
our financial podcast
Our podcast The Cash Conversation explores all things personal finance, debt, budgeting and savings. Join our panel of financial and mental health experts here at caba alongside some influential names in the industry for a discussion about all things finance as they share some tips for improving your financial health.
useful tools
Get your finances on track with our array of financial tools below.
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.
benefits calculator
Check which UK benefits you may be eligible for, including welfare benefits, grants and other support.
downloadable budgeting spreadsheet
If you're looking for an in-depth budgeting plan, our downloadable excel spreadsheet allows you to input your own income and expenditure to create a bespoke monthly budget breakdown.
“I was terrified of bankruptcy, however caba negotiated with my creditors and helped to create a repayment plan to avoid this happening. The sense of relief was enormous and I have now almost paid off all creditors!”
e-learning
Brush up on your personal finance knowledge with our range of on demand e-learning at a time that suits you. If you're looking for ways to future-proof your money and generate positive habits around finances, we've got you covered:
here to help
Whether you’re dealing with difficult everyday situations or something out of the blue, our dedicated financial support may be just what you need to get back on your feet. Remember, we don’t share your personal information with any third parties, including the ICAEW.
benefits advice
Find out which means-tested UK benefits and grants you may be eligible for with our handy tools and information.
budgeting
If you're overspending each month, it may be time to set up a budget. Our useful tools can help you to start.
financial tools
Find our useful budget planners, benefits and grants search tools and pension calculator to help you plan ahead and get your finances on track.
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
Not got the answer to your question?