HARD-UP households can get free white goods and appliances worth up to £800.
Councils across the country are offering families free white goods to use in their homes.
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The goods are being dished out as part of the government’s Household Support Fund (HSF), which is worth £842million.
The money is provided by the Government which has distributed it among councils in England.
They then decide how to share their portion of the fund.
That means, the appliances being offered vary from council to council, with some offering air fryers as well as washing machines.
And then could be worth up to £800, which is the average price of a fridge freezer, according to consumer champions Which?.
What you will receive will depend on your circumstances and will differ depending on what your local council is offering.
That means what you’re entitled to will depend on where you live.
But, in most cases, white goods, money or vouchers are offered out to households on low incomes or benefits.
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Typically, you will need to apply for the white goods through your council if it is offering them.
You’ll need to check with your local council for details.
We’ve rounded up some of the councils offering white goods to local households and how to apply.
Plymouth
Plymouth residents can get help through the HSF.
The help includes white goods, as well as supermarket vouchers and cash too.
Eligible households can apply for an essential appliance, including delivery, installation, and old appliance removal where applicable.
Households can only apply for the funds if they didn’t access support from the previous round of HSF between July, 6 2022 and March 31, 2023.
To apply, households must also fall into one of the eligible categories:
- households with at least one child under 18 who resides in the property on a permanent basis
- households where someone has a disability or a long term health condition
- households where someone has reached pension age
Applications are now open and you can apply on the Citizens Advice Plymouth website.
Worcester
Worcester City Council has added a huge chunk of its HSF allocation to its Discretionary Welfare Assistance Scheme (DWAS).
The scheme is aimed at helping low-income Worcester households who need support with food, energy or white goods.
It has recently been expanded to help single people and couples, as well as families.
Help available can include providing fridge freezers and/or washing machines, as well as food and energy vouchers.
You can’t apply directly to this scheme – a supporting agency or organisation must apply on your behalf.
This could be a support worker, care worker, health professional, children’s centre, local charity, housing or homelessness support service.
Check the council’s website for more details.
Leicester
Leicester City Council is also offering thousands of its residents a helping hand this summer.
It will look at the information in your application to see what support you need.
If you’re successful you could get anything from a supermarket voucher to a fridge freezer.
Other white goods that are available include: cookers, washing machines and microwaves.
All of the items will be delivered, but do bear in mind they might be second-hand.
Applications are open and will close at the end of February 2024.
A professional will need to refer you if you also need any of the following:
- essential kitchen equipment (cookers, fridge freezers, microwaves and washing machines)
- in exceptional cases, support with housing costs
More details on how to be referred are available on the council’s website.
Croydon
Residents in Croydon can get free essentials appliances from their council.
These include:
- slow cookers
- microwaves
- cookers
- fridges
- heaters
The Council says gas cookers are only provided in exceptional circumstances.
You can apply if you live in the area, are over the age of 18 with a low income or experiencing financial hardship.
The council will then assess your application within a two-week period.
You can complete the HSF application the council’s website and email any supporting evidence to [email protected].
Haringey
Haringey Council’s support find is open to residents who:
- have a low income
- are facing unexpected costs
- need help to meet their immediate needs
- need help to pay for essential items that are difficult to budget for
Through the scheme, you can apply for:
- a fridge or washing machine
- bedding, mattresses and some types of furniture
- cooking equipment, or other essential kitchen items
Your application will be considered based on your household income, people living with you and all other help available to you.
Anyone who thinks they are eligible can apply on the council’s website.
You’ll need to have a few documents to hand, including your National Insurance number and bank account details.
How else can I get white goods for free?
If your local council doesn’t provide white goods under the HSF, there are other options available to you.
Struggling with the cost of living can get their hands on free or cheap white goods including cookers, fridges and washing machines.
Local councils have schemes in place to help those struggling financially by providing essential furniture and white goods.
Bolton Council’s Local Welfare Provision service is there to help households experiencing financial crisis.
The council can provide struggling households with basic furniture and essential white goods.
The scheme is run on a case-by-case basis and there’s no specific eligibility requirement so you’ll need to apply for help online to check if you’re eligible.
Hackney Council’s discretionary crisis support scheme can help households by providing essential appliances and white goods such as a cooker, fridge, freezer or washing machine.
Households could also be provided with bedding, mattresses, furniture and in some cases floor coverings like lino and carpets.
Charity grants
There are also more than 3,000 charities giving cash to buy white goods.
To check what you’re entitled to, see the grant checker on the charity website Turn2Us.
Most charities and organisations require you to fill out an application form online or in person listing the reasons why you need help.
A response will then be sent to you with details on how you can claim the money needed.
Here are som examples of grants available:
Battle UK is a charity for children and young people and 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 along with help for children’s emotional, social, and educational needs.
Family Fund offers families raising disabled or seriously ill children grants to pay for washing machines, bedding, and furniture.
Grants to buy white goods, bedding, and items for children and babies are also available from Glasspool for those in need.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected]
