If you're struggling financially and need help with money, you may be eligible to apply for support such as grants, benefits, help with bills and local schemes. The secure Lightning Reach portal allows you to find and apply for support from multiple providers, quickly and easily.

https://www.lightningreach.org/application-portal

COSARAF Charitable Foundation

Eligible costs include:

  • Household items (white goods and occasionally other items such as sofas or wardrobes).
  • Basic living expenses (utilities or food).
  • Work or education-related expenses (such as interview clothes, school uniforms, or laptops).
  • Rent arrears and Council tax arrears, but only where there is a clear risk of homelessness (for rent arrears involving a social landlord applicants should outline what support has already been offered to the tenant).
  • Contribution to immigration-related costs, where the current immigration status directly causes financial hardship to the applicant.

Applications only accepted from social organisations such as charities, housing associations, schools and social services acting on behalf of a family or individual in need.

More info:

https://www.cosaraf.org/apply-for-funding/hardship-grants-application-guide/

Family Action Welfare grants

Grants for essential personal and household needs to assist families and individuals with low incomes, particularly those living on benefits. Amounts: £200 for items.

Also Women’s Holiday Fund - £600 for recuperation (for “women, inclusive of trans women, non-binary people and other minoritised genders”).

Applications on ground of mental health and domestic violence currently not accepted.

Applications need to made online by referring organisations including: statutory agencies or charities that provide health or social care; housing associations; probation services and GP’s.

More info:

https://www.family-action.org.uk/what-we-do/grants/welfare-grants-information/