Who can apply

To qualify as a resident an applicant must satisfy all of the following conditions:

  • be an inhabitant of the area of benefit;
  • be at least 60 years of age;
  • be in “need, hardship or distress” and of modest financial means;
  • be able to look after themselves without the need of medical assistance (the scheme manager makes daily calls on each resident and a home help service is offered, but we do not offer medical assistance or other forms of care. However, some residents can have care packages provided by the local authority).

Applications can be made direct to the scheme manager.

A home visit will be arranged, followed by an interview with two of the trustees, after which a decision will be made on whether the applicant meets the Dulwich Almshouse Charity’s eligibility criteria (please see below).

Eligibility criteria for applicants to Edward Alleyn House

  • Area of benefit
    Applicants must reside in the area of benefit. This is defined as the former parishes (as constituted on 1st May 1891) of: St Botolph, Bishopsgate, St Luke, Old Street, St Saviour, Southwark and Camberwell. It also includes parishes within the area of benefit of the Bishopsgate Foundation.

  • Length of residence
    Applicants must have lived in the area of benefit for a period of three years or more prior to their application.

  • Age
    Applicants must be aged 60 years and over.

  • Financial
    - Applicants must be on a low income (‘modest means’). This is currently set at:
    Below £15,000 p/a gross for a single person, and below £20,000 p/a gross for a couple.
    - Applicants can have moderate savings. These are currently set at:
    Below £60,000 for a single person, and below £100,000 for a couple.
    - Applicants must be able to support themselves financially, especially those who do not receive housing and council tax benefits, i.e. they must be able to meet the weekly contribution from their own resources.

  • Health
    Applicants must be able to live independently but can have a local authority care package (care workers coming one - three times a day to help with washing, dressing, and meals). Applicants must have sufficient mobility to be able to be able to carry out simple tasks for themselves once the carer has left for the day. This is because the scheme manager is not permitted to offer any form of assistance with personal care or the administration of medication.

  • Community
    Applicants must be able to participate and enjoy living in the community and benefit from communal living.

  • Owner occupiers
    Applications for residence from persons owning their own home/s, or who have the proceeds of the sale of their home/s would only be considered when:
    - no other suitable candidates in greater need have presented themselves;
    - the proceeds of any sale, after costs, would if invested provide them with substantially less than the national average income after pensions and all other sources of income are taken into account.

    Although it is open to the trustees to appoint any persons who have need of the facilities by reason of their age, infirmity or disablement, if the applicant's resources are substantial and there are other types of accommodation in the locality (which they can afford, and which will meet their needs) they should not generally be offered an almshouse place.

  • Pets policy
    No pets are permitted due to the difficulties with caring for these if the resident falls ill.