If you need help replacing a broken washing machine, cooker, fridge, freezer or fridge freezer, you may be able to apply for white goods su pport through your local council, a charity, an energy trust or a welfare assistance scheme.
In England, the main council route from April 2026 is the Crisis and Resilience Fund, which replaced the Household Support Fund. In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, similar support is available through separate devolved schemes.
You may also be able to get help from Turn2us-listed charities, the Family Fund, the British Gas Energy Trust White Goods Fund, the LEAP Appliance Scheme, energy supplier funds, or low-cost reuse organisations.
White goods grants are usually aimed at people on low incomes, households receiving benefits, pensioners, disabled people, carers, families with children, people leaving crisis situations, and households facing urgent hardship.
Some support is non-repayable, but DWP Budgeting Loans and Universal Credit Budgeting Advances are loans and must be repaid through benefit deductions.
Quick Answer: How Do You Apply for a White Goods Grant?
To apply for a white goods grant in the UK, start by checking your local council’s crisis or welfare support scheme. In England, look for the Crisis and Resilience Fund through your council.
In Scotland, check the Scottish Welfare Fund. In Wales, check the Discretionary Assistance Fund. In Northern Ireland, check Discretionary Support.
You can also search for charity grants using Turn2us, apply to specialist schemes such as Family Fund if you are raising a disabled or seriously ill child, or check appliance support from energy-related schemes such as the British Gas Energy Trust White Goods Fund and LEAP.
Key Takeaways
- White goods support can help with essential appliances such as washing machines, cookers, fridges, freezers and fridge freezers.
- In England, the Household Support Fund has ended and the Crisis and Resilience Fund is now the main council hardship route.
- Council rules vary by area, so applicants must check their own local authority.
- Some grants are free and do not need to be repaid.
- Budgeting Loans and Budgeting Advances are different because they are repayable DWP loans.
- Universal Credit claimants cannot get a Budgeting Loan but may be able to apply for a Budgeting Advance.
- Referral-based schemes may require help from Citizens Advice, a support worker, council team or charity partner.
- You should never pay an upfront fee to apply for a hardship grant.
What Is a White Goods Grant?
A white goods grant is financial or practical support to help a household obtain essential appliances. These appliances are usually needed for safe cooking, food storage, hygiene or daily living.
White goods commonly include:
| Appliance | Is Support Commonly Available? | Notes |
| Washing machine | Yes | Often prioritised for families, carers and disabled households |
| Cooker | Yes | Electric cookers are commonly supported by some schemes |
| Fridge freezer | Yes | Often treated as essential for safe food storage |
| Freezer | Sometimes | Depends on the scheme |
| Under-counter fridge | Sometimes | Available through some energy or charity schemes |
| Tumble dryer | Limited | Usually only in exceptional cases, such as disability-related laundry needs |
Support may be provided as a direct appliance delivery, voucher, cash award, charity grant, refurbished appliance, or repayable loan. The exact form of support depends on the provider.
Who Can Apply for a White Goods Grant?
Eligibility depends on the scheme, but most providers prioritise households that cannot afford essential appliances without help.
You may have a stronger chance of qualifying if you:
- receive Universal Credit, Pension Credit, income-related ESA, income-based JSA, Housing Benefit or tax credits;
- are on a low income;
- have children in the household;
- are disabled or care for someone who is disabled;
- are a pensioner facing hardship;
- are moving from homelessness, temporary accommodation or care;
- have experienced domestic abuse, fire, flooding or another crisis;
- cannot safely cook, store food or wash clothes because an essential appliance has broken.
GOV.UK says local council crisis support is aimed at people who are vulnerable or cannot pay for essentials, and that people do not necessarily need to be on benefits to receive help.
Where Can You Apply for White Goods Help in the UK?
White goods help is not provided through one single national grant. The best route depends on where you live and your circumstances
1. Local Council Support in England
In England, you should first check your local council’s Crisis and Resilience Fund or local welfare support page. GOV.UK says this support can help with essential costs, including essential items, and that councils decide how their schemes operate.
The Crisis and Resilience Fund began from 1 April 2026 and is intended to run through to March 2029, with local authorities given discretion over how support is used within the fund rules.
To apply, use the official GOV.UK Find your local council service and search your council website for terms such as:
- Crisis and Resilience Fund
- local welfare assistance
- crisis support
- essential household items
- white goods support
- cost of living support
Some councils accept direct online applications, while others work through referral partners such as Citizens Advice, social workers, housing teams, food banks or community organisations.
2. Scottish Welfare Fund
If you live in Scotland, you may be able to apply for help through the Scottish Welfare Fund. It includes Crisis Grants for emergencies and Community Care Grants to help people live independently. You must apply through your local council, not directly through the Scottish Government.
The Scottish Government states that the Scottish Welfare Fund is managed by local councils and includes Community Care Grants and Crisis Grants.
3. Discretionary Assistance Fund in Wales
If you live in Wales, check the Discretionary Assistance Fund. The Welsh Government says the fund provides Emergency Assistance Payments and Individual Assistance Payments, and an Individual Assistance Payment can provide items such as a fridge, washing machine and other white goods.
4. Discretionary Support in Northern Ireland
If you live in Northern Ireland, you may be able to apply for Discretionary Support. nidirect says this can help people in extreme, exceptional or crisis situations with short-term living expenses or household items, and support may be offered as either an interest-free loan or a grant.
5. Turn2us Grants Search
Turn2us is one of the most useful starting points for charity-based help. Its Grants Search can match applicants with more than 1,500 grant-giving charities, including some that may help with white goods.
Turn2us also lists charities and schemes that may help with household appliances, including Family Fund, Glasspool, Buttle UK and energy-related charitable funds.
6. British Gas Energy Trust White Goods Fund
The British Gas Energy Trust White Goods Fund is open for eligible people in England, Wales and mainland Scotland. The fund can support appliances such as under-counter fridges, under-counter freezers, fridge freezers, electric cookers, washing machines and tumble dryers in exceptional circumstances.
The fund is linked to fuel poverty and energy efficiency. According to the fund portal, both British Gas and non-British Gas customers may be able to apply through British Gas or British Gas Energy Trust funded organisations, subject to eligibility.
In June 2026, British Gas Energy Trust reported that its White Goods Scheme had supported an estimated 19,435 people across England, Wales and Scotland since launching in 2023.
7. LEAP Appliance Scheme
The LEAP Appliance Scheme may help eligible households replace old, inefficient appliances with energy-efficient white goods. LEAP states that appliance referrals can only be made after a home visit by one of its energy advisers, or through existing LEAP local authority or energy company funding partners.
This route is particularly relevant where the appliance is inefficient, expensive to run or linked to fuel poverty.
8. Family Fund for Disabled or Seriously Ill Children
The Family Fund provides kitchen appliance grants for families raising disabled or seriously ill children. It says grants can cover cookers, fridges, freezers and washing machines, with items supplied through approved suppliers rather than cash alternatives.
Family Fund also says kitchen appliance grants must usually be used within three months of the award letter.
9. Reuse Network and Refurbished Appliances
If you cannot get a grant, the Reuse Network can help you find affordable household items from reuse centres. Turn2us describes the Reuse Network as a national network of reuse centres that stock quality, affordable household items, often cheaper than retail prices.
This can be a practical option if you need a washing machine, cooker or fridge quickly and cannot wait for a grant decision.
Can You Get a White Goods Grant on Universal Credit?
Yes, people receiving Universal Credit may qualify for some white goods support, but Universal Credit alone does not guarantee approval. Councils, charities and energy trusts usually assess your wider financial hardship, household needs, urgency, income, savings and vulnerability.
Universal Credit claimants should check:
- their local council’s Crisis and Resilience Fund or welfare assistance scheme;
- Turn2us charity grants;
- energy-related appliance schemes;
- Family Fund, if raising a disabled or seriously ill child;
- Universal Credit Budgeting Advance, if a repayable loan is suitable.
Universal Credit claimants cannot get a DWP Budgeting Loan. GOV.UK says people currently getting Universal Credit should apply for a Budgeting Advance instead.
Budgeting Advance vs White Goods Grant: What Is the Difference?
A white goods grant is usually non-repayable support from a council, charity or trust. A Budgeting Advance is a repayable Universal Credit loan.
GOV.UK says a Budgeting Advance can be used for one-off costs such as furniture and household items including a cooker or washing machine. The smallest amount is £100, and the maximum is £348 for a single person, £464 for a couple, or £812 if you have children.
A Budgeting Advance may help if you need an appliance urgently, but repayments are taken from future Universal Credit payments, so you should only apply if you can manage the deductions.
Can You Get a Budgeting Loan for White Goods?
You may be able to get a Budgeting Loan for white goods if you receive certain legacy benefits or Pension Credit and meet the rules.
GOV.UK says Budgeting Loans can help pay for furniture or household items, including washing machines and other white goods.
To qualify, you must usually have been receiving one or more of these benefits for at least six months:
- Income Support
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Pension Credit
GOV.UK states that the lowest Budgeting Loan amount is £100, with maximums of £348 if single, £464 if you have a partner, or £812 if you or your partner claim Child Benefit.
Budgeting Loans are interest-free, but they must be repaid. GOV.UK says repayments are taken automatically from benefits and loans are normally repaid within two years.
How to Apply for a White Goods Grant Step by Step
Step 1: Identify the Right Scheme
Start with your location:
| Where You Live | Main Route to Check First |
| England | Crisis and Resilience Fund through your local council |
| Scotland | Scottish Welfare Fund through your local council |
| Wales | Discretionary Assistance Fund |
| Northern Ireland | Discretionary Support |
| Any UK area | Turn2us Grants Search, charities and energy trusts |
If you are in England, use GOV.UK’s local council finder and search your council website for crisis support, welfare assistance or white goods help.
Step 2: Check Eligibility Carefully
Before applying, read the scheme rules. Check whether the provider requires:
- local residency;
- low income;
- benefits status;
- proof of hardship;
- a broken or unsafe appliance;
- children, disability, illness or caring responsibilities;
- a referral from a professional;
- no recent previous award.
Some schemes provide only one appliance per year or only help where there is a serious health, safety or welfare need.
Step 3: Gather Evidence
Most applications are delayed when documents are missing. Prepare clear copies of:
| Document | Why It Helps |
| Benefit award letter or Universal Credit statement | Confirms benefit status |
| Recent bank statements | Shows income, spending and hardship |
| Utility bill or council tax bill | Confirms address |
| Proof of ID | Verifies identity |
| Medical evidence or disability letter | Supports vulnerability |
| Social worker, support worker or Citizens Advice letter | Strengthens referral-based applications |
| Photo or explanation of broken appliance | Shows urgency and need |
Do not send original documents unless the organisation specifically asks for them.
Step 4: Apply Online, by Phone or Through a Referral Partner
Different providers use different application routes. You may need to:
- complete a council online form;
- call your council welfare team;
- apply through Turn2us Grants Search;
- ask Citizens Advice for a referral;
- ask a social worker, housing officer or support worker to apply;
- complete an energy advice assessment;
- apply through a charity partner.
Turn2us says Crisis and Resilience Fund applications can usually be made through the local authority website, although some councils may still be setting up access because the fund is new.
Step 5: Wait for Assessment
The provider will usually check your evidence, hardship level, household risks and funding availability. Urgent cases may be prioritised.
Turn2us says many local authorities aim to give outcomes as soon as possible, with urgent Crisis Payment requests often handled within 48 hours.
Step 6: Receive the Appliance, Voucher or Payment
If approved, you may receive:
- a new appliance delivered to your home;
- a refurbished appliance;
- a voucher;
- a cash award;
- a charity payment to a supplier;
- delivery and installation;
- removal of the old appliance.
Some schemes do not give cash directly. For example, Family Fund kitchen appliance grants must be used with approved suppliers and do not offer cash alternatives.
How Much Can You Get for a White Goods Grant?
There is no fixed UK-wide amount for a white goods grant. The value depends on the scheme, appliance, household need, supplier arrangement and local funding.
Typical support may include:
- a full appliance replacement;
- a partial contribution;
- a voucher;
- a refurbished item;
- a repayable DWP loan;
- delivery and installation;
- old appliance removal.
Avoid saying every applicant can get £100 to £1,000, because this is not guaranteed. A safer wording is: “Support values vary by scheme and may cover part or all of the cost of an essential appliance.”
Do You Have to Repay a White Goods Grant?
Most charity and council grants do not need to be repaid. However, DWP Budgeting Loans and Universal Credit Budgeting Advances are loans and must be repaid.
GOV.UK confirms Budgeting Loans are interest-free but repayments are taken automatically from benefits.
Before accepting support, always check whether it is:
- a grant;
- a voucher;
- a direct appliance award;
- a loan;
- a credit agreement;
- a second-hand or refurbished appliance.
Why Are White Goods Grant Applications Rejected?
Applications may be rejected because:
- the applicant does not live in the correct council area;
- income or savings are above the scheme threshold;
- documents are missing;
- the appliance is not considered essential;
- funding has run out;
- the applicant has already received support recently;
- the scheme requires a professional referral;
- the applicant applied to the wrong organisation;
- the request is for an item the scheme does not cover.
If rejected, ask whether there is a review process. Also check alternative routes through Turn2us, Citizens Advice, energy trusts, Family Fund, Reuse Network or local community furniture projects.
How to Improve Your Chance of Approval?
You can improve your application by making the need clear and evidence-based.
Explain:
- what appliance has broken;
- why it is essential;
- who is affected in the household;
- whether children, disability, age, illness or caring responsibilities are involved;
- why you cannot afford replacement;
- whether the problem affects cooking, food storage, washing clothes, hygiene or health;
- whether you have already tried other support.
Attach all requested documents the first time. If you can, ask Citizens Advice, a social worker, housing officer, support worker, health visitor, food bank adviser or local charity to support the application.
What If No White Goods Grant Is Available?
If you cannot get a grant, consider these alternatives:
| Option | Type of Help | Repayment Needed? |
| Reuse Network | Low-cost refurbished appliances | No |
| Freecycle or Freegle | Free donated items | No |
| Community furniture projects | Low-cost or donated appliances | Usually no |
| Budgeting Loan | DWP interest-free loan | Yes |
| Budgeting Advance | Universal Credit interest-free loan | Yes |
| Energy supplier fund | Appliance or bill support | Usually no, but rules vary |
| Local charities | Grants or referrals | Usually no |
Reuse schemes can be useful when grant funding is limited or the household needs an appliance quickly.
Scam Warning: How to Stay Safe?
People searching for hardship grants can be targeted by scams. Be careful if a website, social media account or caller asks for an upfront fee, bank card payment, password, or full banking login details.
Legitimate grant providers may ask for bank details when making a payment, but they should not ask for your online banking password or charge you to “release” a grant.
Use official sources such as GOV.UK, your local council, Turn2us, Citizens Advice, Family Fund, nidirect, GOV.WALES, mygov.scot and recognised charity websites.
Conclusion
White goods grants can help UK households replace essential appliances such as washing machines, cookers, fridges, freezers and fridge freezers during financial hardship.
The best route depends on where you live. In England, check your council’s Crisis and Resilience Fund. In Scotland, use the Scottish Welfare Fund. In Wales, check the Discretionary Assistance Fund. In Northern Ireland, check Discretionary Support. Across the UK, Turn2us, Family Fund, British Gas Energy Trust, LEAP and reuse organisations may also help.
Because funding is limited and rules vary, apply early, provide complete evidence, explain the urgency clearly and use trusted official sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a white goods grant online?
Yes, many councils, charities and energy schemes allow online applications. Some schemes require a referral from Citizens Advice, a support worker, social worker, housing officer or energy adviser.
Can I get a free washing machine on Universal Credit?
Possibly. Universal Credit claimants may qualify through a council hardship scheme, charity grant, energy trust or Budgeting Advance. A Budgeting Advance is a loan and must be repaid.
Is the Household Support Fund still available?
In England, the Household Support Fund ended on 31 March 2026. It has been replaced by the Crisis and Resilience Fund from 1 April 2026. Some old council pages and articles may still mention the Household Support Fund, so always check your local council’s current page.
Can pensioners get help with white goods?
Yes, pensioners on low incomes or Pension Credit may be able to apply through council schemes, charities, the Scottish Welfare Fund, Welsh Discretionary Assistance Fund, Northern Ireland Discretionary Support, Turn2us-listed grants or DWP Budgeting Loans.
Can disabled people apply for white goods support?
Yes. Disability, illness, caring responsibilities and health-related appliance needs can strengthen an application. Families raising disabled or seriously ill children should also check Family Fund.
Can I get a cooker through a grant?
Yes, some schemes support cookers, especially where the household cannot cook safely. The British Gas Energy Trust White Goods Fund lists electric cookers among available items, subject to eligibility.
Can I get a fridge freezer through a grant?
Yes, fridge freezers are commonly considered essential because they support safe food storage. Councils, charities, Family Fund, energy trusts and reuse schemes may help depending on eligibility.
Do I need a referral?
Some schemes allow direct applications, while others require referrals from approved organisations. Referral-based applications are common for charity and energy trust support.
Will a white goods grant affect my benefits?
GOV.UK says getting a payment from the Crisis and Resilience Fund does not affect benefits. Rules may differ for other support, so check the provider’s terms before applying.
What should I do first if my appliance breaks?
Check your local council’s crisis support page, gather proof of income and hardship, then search Turn2us for charity grants. If you receive Universal Credit and need urgent help, check whether a Budgeting Advance is suitable, but remember it must be repaid.
Sources
- GOV.UK – Get help with the cost of living from your local council
- GOV.UK – Crisis and Resilience Fund guidance
- GOV.UK – Find your local council
- GOV.UK – Budgeting Loans
- GOV.UK – Budgeting Advance for unexpected costs
- GOV.WALES – Discretionary Assistance Fund
- mygov.scot – Scottish Welfare Fund
- nidirect – Discretionary Support
- Turn2us – White goods and furniture help
- Family Fund – Kitchen appliance grants
- LEAP – Appliance Scheme
- British Gas Energy Trust – White Goods Fund portal