How To Apply For A Concession

The concession rate for Learn to Row and Rowing Membership fees is available to individuals earning under £25,000/year or from a household earning under £40,000/year, or suffering financial hardship – including any of the following:

  • Receiving Universal Credit or other means-tested benefits;
  • From a family in receipt of Free School Meals;
  • Full-time carer;
  • Care leaver (e.g. a young person who has been in the care of a local authority);
  • Experiencing short-term hardship (e.g. job loss, insecure housing).

Our concession rate is designed for people who would struggle to afford rowing without support. Whilst income above is given as guidance, eligibility is based on your overall financial circumstances, not just income alone. You may not qualify if you have access to substantial financial resources such as:

  • Savings over £16,000 (a threshold also used in many public support schemes)
  • Investments or significant financial assets
  • Additional property
  • Regular financial support from family or others

Students on Bursaries

Some students receive bursaries or stipends below £25,000, but this does not automatically make someone eligible. Students may receive a concession if their bursary is their only/main income, they have limited additional financial support, and they do not have significant savings or assets. Students with parental support, scholarships covering major expenses, or access to wider resources are not expected to be eligible for the concession.

What to Include in Your Application

Give us your details via Spond when you apply. We don’t ask for evidence, and we don’t need long explanations — just enough information to understand your circumstances. A short paragraph is ideal.

Please briefly tell us:

  • Your main source of income
  • Whether anyone helps with your living costs 
  • Whether you have savings or other assets
  • Why paying the full membership fee would be difficult right now

Examples:

  • “I’m living on a £12k bursary with no financial support from family. Rent takes most of my income and I have under £1,000 in savings.”
  • “I’m retired on a low fixed income, of less than £25k – with no savings beyond my home.”
  • “I’ve recently lost my job and have temporary housing costs I’m struggling to manage.”

A single sentence like “On a bursary of £18k” or “I’m a pensioner” isn’t enough –  a few sentences helps us make a fair and consistent decision and support the outreach goals of the club.. If necessary we’ll get back to you within a couple of weeks to discuss your request.  Or email us at [email protected] if you’d prefer to chat first.