Can I give to a close relative?
Under Gift Aid rules, close relatives of a Christian worker or Bible College student, and close relatives of their spouse (if they have one), are permitted to:
- Give to Stewardship with Gift Aid in support of the individual’s personal ministry expenses up to their approved amount (see below)
- Give to Stewardship without Gift Aid in support of the individual’s living costs
Under Gift Aid rules, close relatives are not permitted to give to Stewardship with Gift Aid in support of an individual’s living costs.
Close relatives are defined as:
- Husband, wife or civil partner
- Brother or sister (including step- or in-law)
- Parent, grandparent, great grandparent (including step- or in-law)
- Son or daughter, grandchild, great grandchild (including step- or in-law)
Note: Uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins are not defined as close relatives.
What are personal ministry expenses?
Personal ministry expenses are costs that an individual incurs in order to carry out their ministry or study and which aren’t reimbursed to them. For example, equipment or materials for Christian workers or course fees for Bible College students.
In the application process, we ask the Christian Worker or Bible College student to detail any personal ministry expenses they may have. Once reviewed, we confirm the level of approved personal ministry expenses to them, which the individual can view at any time in their Stewardship Partner Account for Individuals online.
Close relatives are permitted to give with Gift Aid up to the approved level of personal ministry expenses (including the gift and Gift Aid) in a 12-month period.
To give in support of a close relative with Gift Aid, you must confirm with the individual that the gift you wish to give and any associated Gift Aid is within the individual’s approved level of personal ministry expenses.
If an individual receives more than the approved amount from close relatives, they may be required to return the funds to us. The Gift Aid will be returned to HMRC and the gift will be returned to the giver’s Stewardship DAF Account balance.