Struggling families are being encouraged to check their eligibility for assistance with living expenses, such as vouchers and cash grants, ahead of the upcoming Budget announcement.
Lightning Reach, a platform with over 2,500 partners, offers support schemes to help individuals access financial aid. The average user of Lightning Reach receives around £750 in assistance. Since its launch in 2021, the platform has linked over 200,000 people to more than £20 million in financial aid, including grants from councils and charities.
Among the partners available on the Lightning Reach platform are the British Gas Energy Trust, TSB, and Lambeth Council. To determine eligibility for support, individuals can utilize the Lightning Reach application portal.
Ren Yi Hooi, the CEO of Lightning Reach, emphasized the importance of providing rapid and comprehensive support, especially as the Budget is anticipated to introduce new tax hikes that could further strain household finances.
If concerned about falling behind on bills, individuals are advised to contact their service providers promptly to explore available assistance options. This could include assessing the suitability of current plans or requesting temporary payment holidays to alleviate financial burdens.
Furthermore, individuals are encouraged to reach out to their local councils to inquire about potential aid through the Household Support Fund. This fund, distributed by local authorities to low-income households, may offer vouchers or direct cash payments, depending on the council’s discretion.
For instance, City of York Council recently announced one-off £100 Household Support Fund payments for eligible residents, with the money being deposited directly into recipients’ bank accounts and not requiring repayment. Eligibility for this assistance is typically linked to receiving support with council tax payments.