How to get free fridges, ovens or washing machines worth up to £800 through little-known scheme
STRUGGLING households may be able to get free white goods, including fridges, ovens and washing machines through a little-known scheme.
Councils are offering support with essential costs to those struggling during the cost-of-living crisis, including by supplying or helping towards the cost of white goods.
Those struggling can claim the goods the Household Support Fund (HSF).
The HSF provides financial help to hard-up households, and has been extended several times since it was first introduced by the Government in 2021.
Funding is given out to local councils to distribute to those most in need in their area, so the support available varies across the country and what you can get depends on where you live.
The discrepancies mean the appliances offered vary from council to council, with the most common being ovens, fridge freezers and washing machines.
Goods 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.
But, in most cases, white goods, money or vouchers are offered out to households on low or no income or receiving benefits.
Plymouth
Plymouth residents can get help through the HSF.
The help includes free 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 November 9 2023 and July 15 2024.
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
- Households with a single occupant receiving help with housing costs.
Applications are now open and you can apply on the Citizens Advice Plymouth website.
Worcester
Worcester City Council offers support with white goods to those resettling through its Discretionary Welfare Assistance Scheme (DWAS).
The scheme is aimed at helping low-income Worcester households coming out of unsettled or supported accommodation.
It is available to those leaving hospital, prison, institutional or residential care, temporary accommodation, a refuge or hostel.
It can also be accessed by homeless households or rough sleepers moving into independent accommodation.
Applicants must also be in receipt of or entitled to at least one of the following benefits:
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- Income-based Job Seekers Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Guaranteed Pension Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Universal Credit
Help available can include providing electric cookers, fridge freezers and/or washing machines.
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.
Croydon
Residents in Croydon can get free essential appliances from their council.
These include:
- slow cookers
- microwaves
- cookers
- fridges
- heaters
The council says gas cookers can also be provided but only 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 hsf@croydon.gov.uk.
Haringey
Haringey Council is providing free white goods through its support fund, which 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.
Enfield
Enfield Council is using HSF funds to support households facing a rise in energy bills and the cost of living.
Support is being given to help with the cost of food and water bills, and with other wider essential costs – including some white goods.
If you are eligible for help with white goods the council will source these from a suitable provider who will contact you and arrange for the goods to be installed.
Applications can be made through the council website.
Coventry
Coventry City Council is providing support with purchasing essential household items like fridges, freezers and ovens as well as supporting residents with utility bill and food costs.
Applicants will need to demonstrate they are in financial hardship and provide their National Insurance number as well as bank statements.
Applications can be made via Coventry City Council’s website until 30 September 2024.
Essex
Essex County Council has used money from the HSF to fund its Essential Living Fund, which can provide support with the purchase of white goods as well as furniture, clothing, footwear and general living expenses.
Anyone living in Essex can apply for support but you will be required to answer questions about your income, earnings and savings and provide evidence.
Applications can be made through Southend Borough Council.
Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire council is providing support to eligible adults and families to help pay for white goods and furniture.
It is doing this through its Welfare Support Scheme and you can apply via on online portal from Gloucestershire County Council’s website.
How else can I get white goods for free?
Your first port of call should be your local council who may have funds available through the HSF or other schemes.
If your local council doesn’t provide white goods under the HSF, there are other options available to you.
Households struggling with the cost of living can get their hands on free or cheap white goods including cookers, fridges and washing machines.
Many local councils have schemes in place to help those struggling financially by providing essential furniture and white goods.
For example Bolton Council’s Local Welfare Provision service is there to help households experiencing financial crisis.
And Hackney Council’s discretionary crisis support scheme can help households with grants to cover essential costs.
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 some examples of grants available:
Buttle 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.
How to cut your bills
IF you're struggling financially, you might be able to cut the cost of your bills to help you get out of the red.
Council tax: You can apply for a council tax reduction on the Gov.uk website but you’ll need to meet certain criteria. Your bill could be cut by as much as 100 per cent if you’re on a low income or claim benefits. Carers who look after someone in the household for at least 35 hours a week are also exempt from paying.
Water: Households might be able to save money by getting a water meter but it all depends on how much you’re using. To check if it’s finacially worthwhile, use the Consumer Council for Water’s free ater meter calculator.
Rent: If you have the space available and your landlord or local authority says it’s ok to do so, you might want to consider getting a flatmate. Not only will you split the cost of the rent, but also the other bills.
Hire purchase: If you’re struggling to make your repayments on your hire purchase, you can usually end the contract by returning the goods. You will have to pay all the instalments due up to the time you end the agreement but this will limit the amount you owe. Contact Citizens Advice for free for more help with this.
Gas and electricty: MoneySavingExpert says families can save £330 on average by switching from Standard Variable Tariffs (SVTs) to a better rate. Use a comparison site such as MoneySuperMarket or Energyhelpline to see what deals are available.
Mortgage: If you get into debt with your mortgage payments, don’t wait for your lender to chase you. Work out what you can afford using the Citizens Advice budgeting tool so you can discuss your payment options moving forward with your mortgage provider.
Secured Loan: Your secured loan might be covered by the Consumer Credit Act and if it is, you may be able to apply for a Time Order. This is a special agreement by the courts allowing you more time to make payments. Secured loans not covered by the Consumer Credit Act include gas, electricity or water meters, payments that need to be written off in full, mortgages, credit union loans, loans from an employer and some short term trade agreements.
County Court Judgements: If you receive a County Court claim form talk to a free debt advice service straight away. This includes Citizens Advice (0808 800 9060), StepChange (0800 138 1111) and the National Debtline (0808 808 4000).
TV licence: Some households are eligible for a reduced fee or free TV Licence. Check here to see if you are entitled to a reduced or free rate.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
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