FAMILIES can get free air fryers, slow cookers, washing machines and other household appliances thanks to several schemes this winter.
Free white goods are available from councils, companies, charities and non-profit organisations.
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So if you can’t afford to purchase essential white goods, don’t panic, as there are many schemes available to help.
But you’ll need to meet certain criteria to be eligible for the free help.
For example, you may need to be on a low income, receive certain benefits or suffer from illnesses or disabilities.
Plus, the support may also depend on where you live.
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We’ve rounded up what’s available and how you can apply.
Help from your council
Councils have a host of different schemes that local residents can use to get free household appliances and furniture.
Be aware that the amount and type of support available will depend on where you live.
What you’ll get will also depend on your circumstances.
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Use the Gov.UK postcode checker to find your local council and see what’s available.
Local assistance funds
Local councils have local assistance funds to help those struggling financially by providing essential furniture and white goods.
For example, North Yorkshire Council offers households facing financial hardship free white goods.
Under the scheme, households can replace broken appliances free of charge – including cookers, hobs, microwaves, fridge freezers and washing machines.
You’ll need to provide proof of why you need extra support. Screenshots of your online banking statement, proof of earnings and benefit entitlement will all be required.
Brent Council’s Resident Support Fund service is there to help households experiencing financial crisis.
The council can provide struggling households with basic furniture and essential white goods if they move into an unfurnished property.
You can apply if you:
- Are a Brent resident
- Aged 18 and over
- Have less than £6,000 savings
- Need support with meeting your day to day living expenses including food and utility bills
- Are not seeking support to pay for an excluded item
- Are willing to comply with any reasonable conditions concerning the payment award, including for example, support from advice agencies
- Have not made a Resident Support Fund application in the last 12 months
Household Support Fund
The Household Support fund was launched in October 2021 to help Brits pay their way through winter amid a cost of living crisis.
And some councils use the funding to offer hard-up households with white goods, including air fryers and washing machines.
For example, Plymouth residents can get help through the HSF, which includes white goods, supermarket vouchers, and cash.
Where applicable, eligible households can apply for an essential appliance, including delivery, installation, and old appliance removal.
Residents in Camden can get various help under the HSF.
The council has put its remaining share of the fund in its Cost of Living Crisis fund.
The support you receive could be appliances to help you reduce costs, such as a slow cooker, air fryer or microwave.
You can apply for the help on the council’s website.
Grants for those in specific jobs
If you have worked for a certain company or industry, help may be available to you and your family if you struggle financially.
One of the biggest schemes out there is the BT Benevolent Fund.
It is there for anyone who works at BT or has worked there before, including pensioners.
Help can also be given to those dependants of any of the above.
It is available for those struggling financially to help pay for white goods and household items.
You can apply for the BT Benevolent Fund on the scheme’s website.
The Insurance Charities is another one.
Anyone working or working in the insurance sector can apply for grants through this charity.
It pays out more than £1.7million annually to current and former employees and their families.
To be eligible for these grants, you must have worked in the insurance industry for at least five years.
It’s always worth checking with your employer or ex-employer to see if they offer similar schemes too.
Check if you can get a charity grant
There are more than 3,000 charities giving cash to buy white goods.
Most organisations require you to fill out an application form online or in person, listing why you need help.
A response will then be sent to you with details on how to claim the money needed.
To check what you’re entitled to, see the grant checker on the charity website Turn2Us.
For example, Buttle UK is a charity for children, young people, their families, and carers.
Grants of up to £2,000 are available to help those dealing with issues including domestic abuse, estrangement, physical and mental health, and substance abuse.
Support packages include money for essential items, including beds and cookers, and help for children’s emotional, social, and educational needs.
Meanwhile, the Family Fund is for families raising disabled or seriously ill children.
They can apply for grants for several things, including washing machines, bedding, and furniture.
The grants are paid through specific suppliers and can be used for the total cost of new items or a discount on the cost.
The exact amount depends on the individual case.
For those in England and Scotland, kitchen grants are supplied by the website AO.
For those in Wales, grants are supplied by Argos, and for those in Northern Ireland, the supplier is Vision Sales.
Not-for-profit organisations
There are also not-for-profit organisations where you can find help.
Second-hand household items are available through Reuse Network – a national network of reuse centres.
You can search on the website for local centres to see what is available.
The items on offer include white goods such as fridges and cookers and household furniture, which are restored and tested so they are working properly and safe to use.
Sometimes, you will still have to pay for the items, which will be significantly cheaper than buying a brand-new item.
End Furniture Poverty lists everywhere you can find help for buying replacement furniture and essential household goods.
It has a handy tool to put your postcode into to find out what help you can get from your local authority.
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It also has a handy list of pre-loved furniture providers to help those on lower incomes pay less for certain goods.
You can find a list of other non-profit organisations on the Turn2us website.
