White goods grants and support
There is no single UK-wide white goods grant. Help with essential appliances depends on your nation, council area, household circumstances and the local support available at the time.
Direct answer
You may be able to get help with a fridge-freezer, washing machine, cooker, oven or another essential household item, but it is not a universal entitlement. Support is usually crisis-based, discretionary and delivered through councils, local welfare schemes or charities.
Key facts
- England's Household Support Fund ran to 31 March 2026. From 1 April 2026, the Crisis and Resilience Fund is the current England route for local crisis and resilience support.
- The Crisis and Resilience Fund applies to local authorities in England only.
- Official guidance allows crisis payments to support essential furniture and appliances, including washing machines, fridge-freezers and ovens, where the local authority considers this appropriate.
- Councils set local access routes and may offer cash, vouchers, direct provision, refurbished goods or referral to a partner organisation.
- Not every council will offer the same appliance help, and an application does not guarantee an award.
England: Crisis and Resilience Fund
The Crisis and Resilience Fund runs from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029. It gives English local authorities funding to help low-income households facing a financial shock and to support local financial resilience work.
For white goods, the important point is discretion. GOV.UK guidance does not create a fixed national appliance grant. It allows authorities to decide whether a crisis payment or other local support is appropriate for the person's circumstances and local scheme rules.
What may affect eligibility
- Your local authority and whether it has an open scheme.
- Whether the need is urgent, occasional or crisis-related.
- Your income, savings, benefits, household make-up and vulnerability.
- Whether another local, charitable or statutory route is more suitable.
- Whether the appliance is considered essential for your circumstances.
How to apply safely
- Find your local council using GOV.UK or your nation-specific advice service.
- Look for local welfare assistance, Crisis Payment, crisis support or household essentials support.
- Read the local rules before applying, because councils may require evidence of income, address, household need or crisis.
- Be clear about the appliance, why it is essential and what has happened.
- Do not assume an advert or social-media post is official. Check the council website or an official advice service.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland do not use the England Crisis and Resilience Fund as their main route. Start with your council, national advice services and official welfare-support pages for your nation. Local help may exist, but the rules and names differ.
Official sources
Before you apply
This guide is general information only. Confirm details with the official source before applying, starting work or signing a contract.