am I eligible for caba's services?

If you're unsure if you're eligible, talk to our friendly team who can help.

can I receive support?	eligible
we may be able to help if you are
A current ICAEW member Chartered Accountant	✔
An ACA student studying to be a Chartered Accountant	✔
Previously an ICAEW member (membership lapsed) (In a different career now, not currently working or retired)	✔
A current or past ICAEW member living abroad (some services may not be available)	✔
Support can continue after the event of your death
If you answered yes to any of the above, we may also be able to help
Your partner	✔
Your children under 18 years of age	✔
Other dependants	✔
Eligible carers	✔
we can’t help if
You’re an ICAS or CAI Chartered Accountant	✖
You work in accountancy but are qualified by another body (ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA)	✖
You’re studying for the Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business (CIFAB)	✖

*ICAEW and caba staff may also be eligible to use our services

ICAEW members

As long as you're a current or past ICAEW member you can access our support. This includes:

Those who are still paying membership fees
Those who are still paying membership fees who are no longer practicing
Those who are no longer paying membership fees regardless of how long it's been

ACA students

If you're currently studying for your ACA exams, you can access our support. This is providing you have taken an exam in the past three years minimum and intend on completing your qualification.

children and partners

Partners and children of past and present ICAEW members may be able to access many of caba’s support and services.

dependents (close family members) - spouses/partners, civil partner/ widows/widowers
children up to the age of 18.
Adult dependents over 18 including those who are divorced /separated or full-time carers, a connection to the eligible member must be demonstrated through financial or caring dependency.

UK and non-UK residents

While caba and the ICAEW are based in the UK, we support members both internationally and UK-based. However, there are some limitations of our services for international clients.

All our grants are available to both UK and non-UK residents. They are means-tested and therefore decided on a case-by-case basis
Our counselling providers (Qwell, Psych Health and Relate) are unable to offer counselling to those outside of the UK, but we can help source and finance counselling in your area
Our legal helpline, in partnership with Law Express, is not available outside of the UK
Our grants, benefits advice and debt advice are only available to UK residents, but we can introduce you to organisations that can help.

how we determine financial support eligiblity

For our financial support services we have guidelines and thresholds to determine eligibility. To qualify for caba’s wide range of financial grants we work with a minimum income standard. We’ll look at your income and assets, to determine what help can be offered. Many more people than you might think are eligible for our financial assistance. As a rough guide we align with the DWP on savings criteria (having under £16,000) and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation Minimum Income Standard (MIS). You can check how your income compares to the MIS.

We’d always encourage you to talk to our friendly team and chat through your situation to see if we can help.

frequently asked questions

do you have to be a current ICAEW member?

Not at all. caba supports both present and past members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales. caba’s support is also available to ACA students and current ICAEW staff members.

does caba only help the ICAEW member?

No. Services are also available to their dependents up to the age of 18. Depending on circumstances dependents can also include children over 18, parents, grandparents and siblings who are financially dependent on the member. Divorced or separated partners may also qualify.

how much does caba charge for its advice and support?

Nothing, all caba services are free.

do you have to be in financial difficulty to receive support?

No, each case is assessed individually as every situation is different. Some services, like our financial grants are means-tested but most of caba’s services, including guidance, training and mental health support, are available free, no matter what your financial situation.

how do you qualify for financial grants?

caba have thresholds and guidelines for financial support and work with a minimum income standard. We’ll look at your income and assets, to determine what financial help can be offered.

will caba support me if I live outside the UK?

Some of our services are available to members of the ICAEW community living outside the UK. Please get in touch to find out more.

do I have to donate to caba to access its support?

Our services are free and you don’t have to donate to be eligible for our support. Donations are entirely voluntary but always welcome.

can caba support me with my ICAEW membership fees?

Regarding payment, we can support members who are on a reduced rate membership.

i've received support from caba before, can I again?

We assess all applications based on current circumstances. Whether you’ve received support in the past or not, we’ll discuss all your options with you. Please call us if you need our help.

i’m an accountant, but not a member of ICAEW

Unfortunately, we can not help. We can only support past and present ICAEW members, their carers and their families. If we are unable to support you, where possible we will point you to help elsewhere. Please visit the ACO members page to see if there is another occupational charity that can assist you.

am I eligible?