Struggling households are being encouraged to verify their eligibility for assistance with living expenses, such as vouchers and financial aid, prior to the upcoming Budget announcement.
A platform called Lightning Reach assists individuals in discovering and applying for various support programs, offering access to over 2,500 partners. On average, users of Lightning Reach receive around £750 in support. Since its launch in 2021, the platform has connected more than 200,000 people to over £20 million in financial aid, including grants from councils and charities.
Various organizations, including the British Gas Energy Trust, TSB, and Lambeth Council, are affiliated with Lightning Reach. Interested individuals can assess their eligibility through the Lightning Reach application portal.
Ren Yi Hooi, the Founder and CEO of Lightning Reach, emphasized the increasing necessity for swift and comprehensive support, especially with the anticipation of new tax hikes in the upcoming Budget tightening household budgets.
In response to escalating living costs and a surge in household energy debt to a record £4.4 billion, Lightning Reach’s mission of providing essential aid has become more crucial. The platform has facilitated a total of £20 million in support, with £7.5 million specifically allocated to energy assistance, benefiting numerous households in urgent need. Despite this, a significant portion of available aid remains unclaimed each year due to the complexity and fragmentation of the system.
Individuals concerned about falling behind on payments are advised to promptly contact their service providers to explore available assistance options. Providers may help assess whether individuals are on the most cost-effective plan or offer temporary payment breaks to alleviate financial burdens.
Furthermore, consulting with local councils to determine eligibility for assistance from the Household Support Fund is recommended. This fund, distributed by local councils to low-income households, aims to alleviate financial strains by providing vouchers or direct cash payments, with the type of aid varying across different authorities.
For instance, recent reports highlighted the City of York Council’s distribution of one-time £100 payments from the Household Support Fund this winter. Eligible recipients, who are already receiving council tax bill assistance, will receive the payment directly into their bank accounts without the need for repayment.
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