STRUGGLING households can get free cash grants to help with the cost of living through a little-known tool.
It contains a database of around 1,400 grants and support schemes and simplifies the process of checking if you are eligible for one.
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There are around 8,000 charities and organisations in the UK that offer cash to help struggling families which can be searched on the Turn2us Grants Search tool.
All of the grants do not need to be paid back and the tool will search through the grants and let you know if you qualify.
Each grant is different but they can provide support for a range of different necessities like groceries and even kitchen appliances.
Other grants have specific requirements for spending for example a business grant may need to be spent on business expenses.
Likewise, an education grant may need to be spent on educational or training costs.
One grant user who used the tool said after finding out they were eligible for a £1,000 Grocery Aid grant they used it to cover the costs of moving home.
They said: “It was a huge help at a difficult time for me.”
Christelle Tambi, product owner of the Grants Search tool at Turn2us, said: “Anyone could be eligible for a grant from a charity that could provide some vital extra money.
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“The amount could be anything from £100 to £2,000 depending on what you need it for.
“Our free online Grants Search tool is an effortless way to find out.”
“Answer a few quick questions about your situation, and in minutes, discover grants from charities across the UK. “
How to use the grant search tool
First, go to the Turn2us website (grants-search.turn2us.org.uk).
Then simply search for what’s available specifically in your area by entering your postcode.
Next, you’ll be asked to give details about yourself, such as your name and gender.
You can also go into more depth by telling Turn2Us about your current health and employment situation.
Once you’ve found a grant you think you’re eligible for, you can put in an inquiry through Turn2Us.
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You’ll need to be logged into your Turn2Us account to apply – if you don’t have one it’s free to sign up.
Each fund has a different timeframe. This can range anywhere from five days to three months.
If you’re successful, you’ll usually be allowed to spend the money on whatever you need to, but cash is usually provided for essentials and bills.
Meanwhile, others are provided to help pay for white goods, which could be handy if your fridge or freezer has given up.
Who can apply?
Everyone can apply for a grant and many charities will help people who cannot claim welfare benefits because of their status in the UK.
Although it’s not guaranteed you will get a grant.
Claiming benefits does not affect your right to apply.
What other grant tools can I use?
There are a few other search tools you can use to find grants you may be eligible for.
The government website has a grant search tool which has over 100 government grant funds.
You can find the tool by searching “find a grant” on the government website.
Get Grants Funding Finder is a free resource for grant fundraisers with information on hundreds of grant funders, including what they fund, how much they give, and how to apply.
Grants are split into 12 groups, arts & heritage, capital, children & young people, community, disability, education & employability, environment & animal, faith, health & wellbeing, school, sport and venerable groups.
What other support is available?
Councils in England are still rolling out support through the Household Support Fund which is worth £842million.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt also extended the Household Support Fund (HSF) for the fifth time – adding a further £500million to the pot.
What you are entitled to will vary depending on where you live as each local authority sets its own eligibility criteria.
If you have a disability and are in work you may be eligible for a grant worth up to £66,000.
The grants are available through the government’s Access to Work scheme, which is administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
It may seem obvious, but you should check if you could qualify for benefits if you haven’t already.
The most recent research from analytics company Policy in Practice reveals billions of pounds worth of benefits are going unclaimed, including £7.5billion in Universal Credit.
The Sure Start Maternity Grant is available to new or expectant mothers and worth up to £1,000.
The cash is designed to cover the cost of having a child and for those on certain benefits including Universal Credit and Pension Credit.
Three million people in total qualify for the Warm Home Discount this winter and most receive the £150 payment automatically.
But there are some who have to apply by the March 31 deadline.
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Are you missing out on benefits?
YOU can use a benefits calculator to help check that you are not missing out on money you are entitled to
Charity Turn2Us’ benefits calculator works out what you could get.
Entitledto’s free calculator determines whether you qualify for various benefits, tax credit and Universal Credit.
MoneySavingExpert.com and charity StepChange both have benefits tools powered by Entitledto’s data.
You can use Policy in Practice’s calculator to determine which benefits you could receive and how much cash you’ll have left over each month after paying for housing costs.
Your exact entitlement will only be clear when you make a claim, but calculators can indicate what you might be eligible for.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
You can also join our new Sun Money Facebook group to share stories and tips and engage with the consumer team and other group members.
