What Grants For Furniture And Carpets Can I Get In Wales?
By
HuutiMoney
In times of financial hardship, some people may fund it easier to apply for a grant rather than an interest-free loan although grant approval may take more time and generally have certain eligibility criteria to be met with. Through his article, we will explore the grants that are available in Wales to help residents afford furniture and carpets in their homes. In addition to this, we will also discuss the support that can be sought from local council authorities as well as the Department for Work and Pensions.
What Grants For Furniture And Carpets Can I Get In Wales?
If you are looking for grants to pay for the expenses of purchasing furniture or carpets in Wales, you want to consider the following options:
The Individual Assistance Payment under the Government’s Discretionary Assistance Fund program can help you or someone you are trying to help to pay for living independently in their home. Through this grant, you will find financial support for home furniture such as sofas, beds and chairs; as well as white goods including a fridge, cooker or washing machine.
If you claim certain benefits such as Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Universal Credit or Pension Credit, you may be able to get interest-free loans such as a budgeting loan, a short term budgeting advance or advance payments of your Universal Credit claim.
In some parts of Wales, you may be able to find local organisations or charities that run “furniture projects”. Here you will find items of furniture at very low prices (sometimes free of cost) that have been donated by local residents which can also be delivered to your home.
Some of the leading charities in the UK that help with household costs include the following:
- End Furniture Poverty can help you find affordable furniture through grants and easy credit plans
- The Reuse Network can help you find pre-loved household items that are priced at affordable rates
- Glasspool Charity Trust provides grants for furniture items as well as white goods
Women who are above the age of 18 years and are facing financial hardship can apply to the Eaton Fund which makes one-off grants to purchase specific items including carpets, furniture and white goods. However, it is essential that one is a UK resident to claim these funds. Additionally, the application for a grant must be approved by a social worker, housing officer or a key worker.
If you are looking for a grant that pays for essential household costs such as electricity, gas, clothing, food or even emergency travel, you may consider applying for an Emergency Assistance payment under the Discretionary Assistance Fund of the Welsh Government.
What Help Can I Get From The DWP?
While the Department for Work and Pensions does not offer any grants to provide for furniture and carpets or even moving costs; however, if you are a Universal Credit claimant who is planning to move your house, you can apply for a Budgeting Advance from the DWP.
They will ask for proof of your anticipated moving costs and grant an interest-free loan accordingly. This loan can be repaid to them over a period of 2 years through reduced payments of your Universal Credit claim.
In case you receive any other state benefit, you can apply for a Budgeting Loan from the DWP in the same manner. Deductions for loan repayment will be made from your benefits claim.
What Help Can I Get From The Council?
If you are looking for financial support from council authorities to provide furniture and carpets, you can apply for a Discretionary Housing Fund, through the website of your local council authority. This will be applicable to you in case you claim Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit.
Even if the council is unable to extend any support or you find yourself on a lower priority in their list, you can still ask them to recommend charities and hardship fund schemes that can provide immediate help.
In addition to a Discretionary Housing Fund, you may also be able to claim the following forms of financial support from the government in case of a financial crisis:
- Advance and Hardship Payments
- Alternative Payment Arrangements
- Budgeting Advance
Conclusion:
The discussion in this blog post covers in detail the amount of financial support that one may be able to receive from varied sources such as charities, trusts, the council office and even the Department for Work and Pensions. While some offer grants, others may extend interest-free loans for the provision of essential hosuehold items such as furniture and carpets. It is then up to the eligibility of the applicant as well as their choice to select the best option.
FAQs: What Grants For Furniture And Carpets Can I Get In Wales?
Can I get funding for carpets?
Yes, you can get funding for carpets through your local council. In addition to this, you can also apply for funding for furniture, white goods and household equipment.
Will I still get Universal Credit if I move house?
Chances are that you will still continue to receive Universal Credit if you move house but the amount that you receive may change due to an increase or decrease in your rent. To be able to continue receiving your Unvuiersal Credit payments on time, you should inform the DWP well in advance before you move house.
What can I get free on Universal Credit?
If you are on Universal Credit, you can claim free prescriptions, dental treatment, eye tests, school transport and school meals. Additionally, you can also avail discounted childcare costs and £150 for school uniforms.
Who is eligible for a discretionary fund?
To be eligible for a Discretionary Housing Fund, claimants should be on Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit and yet require additional financial assistance to meet their housing costs. In addition to this, they must qualify to be in extreme financial hardship that makes it difficult to pay for essential needs.
Who qualifies for a hardship payment?
An 18 years old individual (16 years in certain cases), who is unable to meet the expense of their basic needs or those of a child in their care qualifies for a hardship payment.
References:
Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF) | GOV.WALES
Help to buy essential items – Shelter Cymru