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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.