The Turn2us application process
Turn2us is a UK charity that supports people in financial need to find help through benefits, grants and other financial help. Turn2us gives direct grants through the Elizabeth Finn Fund.
As part of the grant application process, Turn2us Grants staff need to see recent bank statements for all of the accounts that you have. This is to assess your financial eligibility for the grant you have applied for.
These can be uploaded as part of the Elizabeth Finn Fund application form. However, some people struggle to scan and upload bank statements.
Working in Partnership - Turn2us and Lightning
Using Lightning to securely connect your online banking accounts will save you time having to print or upload bank statements. It is a safe and efficient way of providing the financial information needed to proceed with your application.
Please note that this process has no effect on your credit score.
To provide this system, Turn2us is working with Lightning and Lightning's partners, Plaid - two entirely separate organisations from Turn2us.
Who is Lightning?
Lightning is a social enterprise that helps anyone facing financial hardship to receive support, recover from shocks and achieve financial wellbeing.
Lightning has created an online system in partnership with a technology company called Plaid that uses modern, trusted and secure technology to make the funding application process as quick and safe as possible for all involved.
Lightning is working with Turn2us to provide an online system that allows the Elizabeth Finn Fund Grants staff to view your bank accounts without you having to upload and send your bank statements.
Who is Plaid?
Plaid is a technology provider that Lightning works with to make the system connect securely to your bank. The company is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Firm Reference Number: 804718). They are a trusted partner to companies ranging from popular financial technology applications to Fortune 500 companies and major banks.
What will Turn2us grant staff see?
If you choose to use the Lightning system, the Turn2us Grants staff will be able to view three months’ worth of your most recent bank statements.
Neither Turn2us nor Lightning will be able to make any changes or post transactions to your account.
Who will see my financial information?
Your personal financial information is only shared with Turn2us Grants staff. No-one else will be able to see your information.
I don't want to use Lightning, is there another way I can provide my bank statements?
Yes there is.
You can upload them manually as part of the Elizabeth Finn Application form (Stage 2) if you have not already submitted the application.
If you are already in the Lightning system, you can navigate to the bottom of your screen and click ‘Email bank statements’. The system will then tell you what to do next.
When will I find out the outcome of my application?
The Elizabeth Finn Fund receives a large number of enquiries which may take some time to process. All enquiries do receive a reply, whether Turn2us can help or not.
A decision is made on an application as soon as possible once Turn2us have all the information required. A member of the Grants team will be in touch with you, usually within five working days. This may be to request more information about your situation.
When Turn2us has made a decision, they will be in touch by telephone or email to advise you whether they have been able to award a grant or not.