Four ways to get free or cheap white goods including air fryers and washing machines
THOUSANDS of hard-up households can get free household appliances this winter.
The home essentials are provided by councils, companies, charities and non-profit organisations.
So if you can't afford to purchase essential white goods don't panic as there are a number of 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 that's available will depend on where you live.
What you'll get will also depend on your own personal circumstances.
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To find your local council and see what's on offer use the Gov.UK postcode checker.
Local assistance funds
Local councils have local assistance funds in place to help those struggling financially by providing essential furniture and white goods.
For example, Kent County Council offers households facing financial hardship free white goods.
Under the Kent Support and Assistance Service, households can get broken households appliances replaced free of charge.
You'll then be expected 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.
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 to check if you're eligible.
Household Support Fund
The Household Support fund was first 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 as well as washing machines.
For example, Plymouth residents can get help through the HSF that 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.
Applications opened last month for the scheme, but you should act fast as the scheme closes on March 31 and it's usually a first come, first served basis.
You can apply on the Citizens Advice Plymouth website.
Residents in Camden can get various different 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 are struggling financially.
One of the biggest schemes out there is the BT Benevolent Fund.
It is there for anyone who currently works at BT, or who has worked there before including pensioners.
Help can also be given to those dependants of any of the above.
It is available for those in financial difficulty 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 who is working or who has worked in the insurance sector can apply for grants through .
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.
It's always worth checking with your employer or ex-employer to see if they might 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 the reasons why you need help.
A response will then be sent to you with details on how you can claim the money needed.
To check what you’re entitled to, see the grant checker on the charity website Turn2Us.
For example 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.
Meanwhile the Family Fund is for families raising disabled or seriously ill children.
They can apply for grants to pay for several things including washing machines, bedding, and furniture.
are paid through specific suppliers and they can be used for the total cost of new items or for a discount off 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
As well as charities, there are several 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 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.
It has a handy tool which you can 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.