How low income families can get free or cheap cookers, fridges, and washing machines
HARD-UP families can get free or cheap essential items such as cookers and fridges as the cost of living soars.
The donations, or discounted items, are provided by charities, non-profit organisations, the Government and some companies - as long as you meet requirements.
You will need to meet the eligibility criteria, which can differ between providers.
For example, you may need to be on a low income, receive certain benefits or suffer from illnesses or disabilities.
Other schemes are available to those who’ve worked for particular firms or charities.
In 2019, charities distributed £60million in grants, according to the Association of Charitable Organisations.
This money can be used to buy fridges, clothes, and food.
In some cases it can also be put towards health and childcare costs.
Here we have listed what help is available and how you can apply for it.
Free charity grants
There are more than 3,000 charities giving cash to buy white goods.
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.
Buttle UK
is for children and young people and their families and carers.
There are no specific eligibility requests for this charity, but it says it expects anyone applying to have already made an application for local welfare schemes before they apply to it.
It is available for those in financial difficulty to help pay for white goods and household items.
It pays out more than £1.7million every year to current and former employees and their families.
In order to be eligible for these grants, you need to have worked in the insurance industry for at least five years.
Not-for-profit organisations
As well as charities, there are several not-for-profit organisations where you can find help.
The items on offer include white goods such as fridges and cookers along with household furniture, which are restored and tested so they are working properly and safe to use.
In some cases you will still have to pay for the items but this 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.
The loans are interest free, so you only pay back what you borrow, and the repayments are taken directly out of your benefits.
Household Support Fund
Councils are also handing out grants from a £500million pot of cash from central Government.