Who is eligible for SBA help?
Solicitors who are or who have been on the Solicitors Roll for England and Wales and their dependants Membership of the SBA, whilst welcome, is not necessary.

Who is considered to need help?
Circumstances are reviewed individually and it is not possible to define lower and upper limits. Applicants on state benefits are most likely to be eligible, but we can and do help people in poorly paid employment and those who have retired. Assistance is not usually offered to those with substantial assets in the form of investments or property (other than a main residence).

Who gets what sort of help?
Beneficiaries with equity (in the form of ownership of their homes) but acute cash flow problems may be offered interest-free loans. These are reviewed periodically and may be repayable on change of financial circumstances or sale of the house. If there is little or no equity, outright grants may be awarded to meet everyday expenses not fully covered by State benefits. In these categories are included essential travel costs, household necessities, TV licence fees, certain insurance premiums, (but not endowment assurance) and in some cases 'extra' medical expenses.

The Association does not help with business expenses, partnership debts, lengthy training courses, indemnity insurance or practising certificates. The Association is not an educational charity, and only in exceptional circumstances is help provided to fund private school fees and even then only to the next crucial stage of education. However, students at university whose parents cannot afford the full costs are eligible for a grant to help with books and living expenses.