The office's main responsibility was the collection of six pence from all serving seaman's wage's monthly that was used to fund Greenwich Hospital's provision of care for sick and aged seaman.

[2] The Sixpenny Office was originally established in 1692 during the reign of William and Mary of England.

It was one of the admiralty's smaller offices and was responsible for collecting six pence from every serving seaman's wage monthly.

The money was collected by duty receivers appointed to various ports around the country.

The proceeds were then used to fund the Greenwich Hospital Department, which provided care for sick and aged seamen.