Low income families can apply for help to buy household items - how to claim

Families with a low incomecould be eligible for additional assistance for a variety of needs, including household furnishings. The Family Fund is a grant designed to aid families in purchasing essential household equipment such as cookers, fridges, and washing machines.

However, an application must be submitted to be considered for the grant. Moreover, there are specific eligibility requirements, which may exclude some families from receiving the grant.

For instance, the level of care required by your child could influence whether you qualify for the Family Fund. For a comprehensive guide on who can access the Family Fund and how to apply, read on....

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Who qualifies for the Family Fund?

The Family Fund primarily aims to support families raising a disabled or seriously ill child or young person. The official guidelines from the Family Fund state that you can apply if you meet the following criteria:

You have lived in the UK for the past six months

You are the parent/carer of a child aged between 0 and 24 (this may vary)

You are the parent/carer of a child or a young person with a disability or serious illness

The child or young person is not in the care of the local authority or in foster care

You are on a low income or receiving benefits

The Fund utilises the social model of disability to assess applications and make decisions. This approach fundamentally stresses that individuals are disabled by "barriers in society", rather than their physical or mental impairment or difference.

Consequently, it concentrates more on eliminating obstacles and enabling disabled people to gain greater independence and control. Some of these obstacles can include lacking access to equipment or services that a child or young person requires or not having sufficient support.

The Family Fund concentrates on particular aspects where a child may require a higher level of support to help determine if they receive the grant or not. Its official guidance states that if a child needs a high level of support in at least three of the following areas, they may be eligible:

• Personal care such as going to the toilet, washing, feeding, or moving
• Education
• Supervision to ensure their safety throughout the day
• Access to social activities where they may need more help to take part
• Communication such as speaking, listening, and understanding
• Physical environment where adjustments may need to be made with specialist resources
• Medical treatment or therapy

How to apply to the Family Fund

The Family Fund recommends sending in an application through its online form, as this is the fastest and easiest way.

These also take less time to process, so applicants could receive their grant quickly.

Furthermore, you will need to have information relating to your income, such as a recent benefit award letter and your child's disability benefit, their support learning plan, or any professional reports that detail the support your child needs.

You can also send in an application by requesting an application pack from the Family Fund; however, claimants doing this are urged to ensure they are eligible, as extra costs are associated with sending out an application pack.

Further details on eligibility and how you can apply to the Family Fund can be found on their website here.