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Does OVO help with white goods / what funding is available?

Forum|Forum|3 years ago
June 6, 2023
10 replies
5180 views

I am on UC and PIP. My fridge freezer has broken down and I wondered if OVO can help with this as I heard some energy providers do. Thanks

Best answer by Blastoise186

Updated on 22/07/26 by Ben_OVO

Try this one. https://www.turn2us.org.uk/About-Us/Our-Campaigns/Living-Without-Campaign/Where-to-get-help.

There’s a whole bunch of schemes listed there and the grant search tool can help identify what your options might be. If you can find a suitable one, they might be able to help you out.

There’s also https://www.lightningreach.org/ as well.

Also, have a word with the job centre. My contacts have informed me that you might be eligible for the Flexible Support Fund on the basis you’re claiming Universal Credit. It’s completely at the discretion of the individual advisor and there’s not exactly a bottomless pit of cash, but it can be requested for anything reasonable and I personally get the feeling they will consider a white goods request in a case like this one. It’s non-repayable and won’t affect your existing claims provided you use the money for the agreed/requested purpose.

I’ll reply here again if I find anything else.

Support available for customers who may be struggling with their bills:

Blastoise186

Super User

Unfortunately not I’m afraid. I’m also not aware of any energy supplier that does either.

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M

MoonwalkerAuthor

Rank 1

Thanks for your help

Blastoise186

Super User

You could try something like Freecycle though https://www.freecycle.org/

Sometimes people post on there offering white goods and you can post a wanted item request too.

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MoonwalkerAuthor

Rank 1

Thank you- that’s a great idea

Jeffus

Rank 20

A few of the Energy companies have funds for white goods often administered by charities. It can be a bit difficult to track them down, they have various different criteria and usually a finite amount of money each year, and often people are referred by other organisations. You may find the eligibility criteria is quite onerous

This is EDF for example.

https://www.edfenergy.com/help-support/PSR

If you chat to Citizens advice they should be able to access your situation then may be able point or refer you to a local or national scheme that is open and you are likely to get help from.

There is the Charis Let’s Talk Energy Fund. Both SSE and OVO are listed as partners

https://charisgrants.com/individuals/

Unfortunately the scheme doesn't open again until September. They supply white goods.

https://charisgrants.com/partners/charis-lets-talk-energy-fund/

M

MoonwalkerAuthor

Rank 1

I really appreciate this info - thanks for taking the time to send these links 😃

Blastoise186

Super User

No worries. Bear with us as we’ll keep digging, it’s possible there might be more resources yet.

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Blastoise186

Solved

Super User

Updated on 22/07/26 by Ben_OVO

Try this one. https://www.turn2us.org.uk/About-Us/Our-Campaigns/Living-Without-Campaign/Where-to-get-help.

There’s a whole bunch of schemes listed there and the grant search tool can help identify what your options might be. If you can find a suitable one, they might be able to help you out.

There’s also https://www.lightningreach.org/ as well.

Also, have a word with the job centre. My contacts have informed me that you might be eligible for the Flexible Support Fund on the basis you’re claiming Universal Credit. It’s completely at the discretion of the individual advisor and there’s not exactly a bottomless pit of cash, but it can be requested for anything reasonable and I personally get the feeling they will consider a white goods request in a case like this one. It’s non-repayable and won’t affect your existing claims provided you use the money for the agreed/requested purpose.

I’ll reply here again if I find anything else.

Support available for customers who may be struggling with their bills:

Securing energy by zapping security bugs... For that is The Blastoise Way! Remember, I'm just like you - AI Powered Evil Geniuses aren't Staff!