Lightning Reach is a website that helps people find and apply for support schemes, with over 2,500 partners available on its platform
Struggling households are being urged to check if they’re eligible for cost of living help including vouchers and free cash ahead of the Budget.
Lightning Reach is a website that helps people find and apply for support schemes, with over 2,500 partners available on its platform. Lightning Reach estimates its typical user gets £750 in help.
It is free to use and since launching in 2021, the site has connected over 200,000 people to more than £20million in financial support, including council and charity grants.
Some of the partners that are connected on the Lightning Reach website include the British Gas Energy Trust, TSB and Lambeth Council. You can check your eligibility through the Lightning Reach application portal.
Lightning Reach Founder CEO Ren Yi Hooi, said: “With the upcoming Budget expected to tighten household finances even further through new tax increases, the need for rapid and joined-up support is greater than ever.
“Too many people were facing impossible choices, between heating or eating, debt or dignity and I wanted to build something that could change that.
“That mission is more urgent than ever today, as the cost of living crisis deepens and household energy debt has soared to a record £4.4billion.
“So far, we’ve facilitated £20million in total support, £7.5million of which is direct energy support, providing urgent relief to thousands of households. Yet every year, billions in vital help still go unclaimed because the system is too complex and fragmented.”
If you’re worried about falling behind on your bills, you should contact your provider as soon as possible to see what help they can offer you.
For example, they can check if you’re on the cheapest plan, or maybe offer you a payment holiday to reduce your costs temporarily.
It is also worth speaking to your local council, to see if you qualify for help through the Household Support Fund. This is a pot of cash that is distributed to low income households by their local council, to help with bills.
Some councils offer vouchers, while others award cash payments. It is up to each local authority to decide what type of help it provides.
For example, we recently reported on how City of York Council is distributing one-off £100 Household Support Fund payments this winter.
The payment is sent straight to your bank account and does not need to be paid back. You will be eligible for the cash if you are receiving help with your council tax bill.
