Can I Get Help With Buying Furniture?

TheBottomLine_2 · 10 May 2010 at 5:13AM

Hello, thanks for looking in.

I'm just moving into my first flat which is rented from my local housing association and as I was previously a lodger I have only a few bits and bobs to take with me. I've got a bed roll and sleeping bag, two garden chairs and one of those plastic garden tables. I've also managed to scrounge a rug so it won't be too cold on my bare feet in the bedroom.

Is there any kind of benefits to help me buy some furniture and carpets, maybe even curtains too? I'm quite happy to get second hand stuff to keep the costs down. Oh I should perhaps point out that I get DLA and income based JSA though I soon hope to have a job.

Cheers.

bestpud · 10 May 2010 at 5:43AM

You may be able to apply for a budgeting loan:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/On_a_low_income/DG_10018905

Other than that, ask your new LL about any local schemes to help people on low incomes set up home. In many areas, you will be able to buy second hand furniture quite cheap.

Join your local Freecycle group too.

karenx · 10 May 2010 at 7:46AM

gumtree, freecycle?

briona · 10 May 2010 at 9:29AM

TheBottomLine wrote: »

Is there any kind of benefits to help me buy some furniture and carpets, maybe even curtains too? I'm quite happy to get second hand stuff to keep the costs down. Oh I should perhaps point out that I get DLA and income based JSA though I soon hope to have a job.

Have you considered furniture recycling charities? They refurbish/repair donated furniture and sell it to people on low incomes at very reasonable prices. Some centres will also sell bedding, curtains, crockery and electrical items. Depending on your age and circumstances you may be able to get a 'home start-up' pack reasonably cheaply.

If you click on the link below, select "Need Furniture" from the left hand menu, click the "Click Here" and then select your area on the map, you will be given a list of charities in your area.

http://www.frn.org.uk/default.asp

Briona

daska · 10 May 2010 at 10:28AM

The Housing Association you're renting from should also be able to point you in the direction of any local charities, as will the local council.

TheBottomLine_2 · 10 May 2010 at 11:08AM

Thanks for all the help and info folks, I'll pop back in after I've checked out those links and options to let you know how I get on. Fingers crossed...

robredz · 10 May 2010 at 11:11AM

If you fit into certain categories, and it is worth trying anyway, you may be eligible for a Community Care Grant, which is a non repayable grant for basic essentials. A budgeting loan requires receipt of a means tested benefit, i.e income based for at least 6 months.

gorgeousgeorge · 10 May 2010 at 12:33PM

freecycle is very good if you have one in your area, you can also put a 'wanted' ad on there

hope you manage to get some help

Jowo_2 · 11 May 2010 at 12:33AM

Check if you've got an Emmaus close to you. Also consider Freegle which operates similarly to Freecycle.

Owain_Moneysaver · 11 May 2010 at 10:35AM

Organisations like Salvation Army may help with home-start packs. Local council social work have some access to funds.

Welshwoofs · 11 May 2010 at 11:13AM

As well as the other great advice you've been given, I'd also add that Ebay often comes up trumps in this area. Last year I got heavy velvet curtains to cover our doors for the starting price of 99p. Take a look at auctions finishing at 'off peak' hours - early morning for instance - and you can often pick up things for next to nothing.

Can I Get Help With Buying Furniture?

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