I'm receiving benefits. Are there any additional resources I can access to help with bills and general living expenses?

Yes. We are trying to build a list of additional resources for people on benefits that they often don't even know exist. Here is what we have found so far: 

Debt

• Get help dealing with difficulties you're experiencing with debt from Step Change who run a free advice service. 

Bills

• You can apply for a grant to help with gas/electric bill related debt from the British Gas Energy Trust. You do not have to be British Gas customer to do so. 
• For help with water bills, check out the Watersure Scheme who can offer a 50% discount on your total annual water bill. 
• For discounted broadband, BT Basic is a simple, low cost service that helps you get connected if you are on specific low income Government benefits such as Universal credit or ESA.

Travel

• A Bus and Tram discount card gets you 50% off bus and tram fares. Apply here. You will need to get the form printed, fill it in and take it to the post office.
• Get 50% off pay as you go adult fares to travel on bus, Tube, tram, DLR, London Overground if you are on benefits and actively seeking work. You have to claim at your local Jobcentre Plus office. 

Grants

• Many charities give grants to families or individuals - they do not need to be paid back. Go to Turn2Us where you can search to find charities either locally or nationally who may be able to offer you a grant for a cooker, washing machine or fridge freezer. You can filter specific to your job (or previous career), your religion, or whether you have any health issues. Each charity comes with its own set of qualifying rules, so it may be worth searching for you (as well as your partner, if you have one). The charity may be able to help if you’re experiencing financial hardship, are in debt, if you’re on a low income or have no savings, or if you’ve had a change in circumstances such as a bereavement or job loss. On top of buying new white goods, many of the charities can also offer grants to help with rent, utility bills, clothing, costs of studying/exam fees, respite care, travel costs to get back into work, and more.

Furniture - Where to buy and donate re-used furniture in East London

• British Heart Foundation in Leytonstone who collect and sell re-used furniture 
• Bright Sparks to buy or donate low-cost, second hand furniture and household goods.
• Reuse centre in East London who collect re-used furniture across east London and sell and deliver it at low prices.
• Visit the Re-use Network for a network of re-use centres stocking quality household items including furniture and electrical appliances.
• Find and join your local Freecycle network, where people give away items for free, including furniture and appliances.
• Find your local Emmaus who collect re-use furniture in locations across the UK.

Paint

• Check out the Community Repaint Scheme by Dulux - a donated paint scheme for cheaper DIY.

We will add to this list as we find out about more resources people can tap into.

If you know of any yourself, please do get in touch.