The BP Benevolent Fund
Helping those experiencing hardship
The bp Helios Fund (formerly called the BP Benevolent Fund) is a registered charity and has been operating since 1990 to help former bp employees and their dependants experiencing hardship. We do this through tax-free lump sum payments (grants) to purchase specific equipment (e.g., a new boiler) or help cover costs more generally. Much like a pension fund, the Fund is governed by Trustees comprising of current and former bp employees.
Earlier this year the Trustees began making changes to modernise and future-proof the bp Helios Fund, to strengthen and align its purpose to support former bp employees and their dependants.
Since its inception the bp Helios Fund has made 350 grants totalling £605,540. The original capital of the Fund in 1990 was £1 million. In 2023 bp donated a further £291 thousand to the general fund, which is now valued at more than £1.5 million.
The support has included roof repairs, bathroom conversions, mobility scooters, support with car repairs, medical costs (where not covered by NHS), general hardship and debt advice. If you would like to know more you can talk to your Pensioner Liaison Officer, or submit an enquiry below.
In late 2023 the Fund with additional support from bp agreed to provide a one-off Cost-of-Living Assistance Grant (COLAG). This offer has been taken up by over 5400 bp pensioners. Applications for this grant closed at the end of March 2024, and all eligible cases have now been settled.