Grants for Furniture and Carpets in the UK: How to Get Help in 2025

Yes — grants for furniture and carpets are available in the UK to help low-income families, people facing emergencies, and those recently rehoused.

Charities like Family Fund, Turn2Us, and local councils offer support for essential household items such as beds, sofas, and carpets.

These grants aim to ensure safe, comfortable living conditions for vulnerable individuals and families.

This guide explains who qualifies, where to apply, and how to get help furnishing your home in 2025.

In this guide, we’ll explore the main sources of help, who qualifies, and how you can apply for a furniture and carpet grant in 2025.

CitizenAdvices Writes on Scottish Welfare Fund – community care grants to Cover in UK

2013 – Essential Living Fund replaces Community Care Grants, offering help with basic household needs.

2023 – Family Fund supports families with disabled children by funding “furniture and carpets“.

2024 – Household Support Fund helps low-income homes get essential items like “carpets and furniture via local councils”.

2025 – Family Fund Business Services teams up with Carpetright to offer grants specifically for flooring and carpets.

Who Can Get Grants for Furniture and Carpets?

Grants are often available to people who meet one or more of the following criteria:

• On a low income or Universal Credit
• Experiencing financial hardship or a crisis
• A single parent, disabled, or a pensioner
• Recently moved into unfurnished housing
• Escaping domestic abuse or homelessness

Some grants are offered by local councils, while others come from charities and national schemes.

🛋️ Summary Table: Grants for Furniture and Carpets in the UK (2025)

Type of Grant/Support	What’s Covered	Who Is Eligible	Where to Apply	Keywords
Local Welfare Assistance Scheme (LWAS)	Beds, sofas, tables, carpets, white goods	Low-income, Universal Credit, emergencies	Local council websites	council furniture grant UK, local welfare assistance scheme furniture
Charity Support (e.g., Turn2us, SVP)	Free or second-hand furniture, flooring help	Families in need, disabled, pensioners, single parents	Via charity websites or local branches	charities that help with furniture UK, second-hand furniture grant
Crisis Grants & Social Fund Help	Emergency items: carpets, furniture, appliances	People in crisis (fire, domestic violence, rehousing)	Local councils, social workers	crisis grant for carpets and furniture, emergency grant for household items UK
Regional Council Grants	Specific to area: carpets, beds, essentials	Varies by location (based on local criteria)	London, Manchester, Glasgow, Newcastle	furniture grants London, help with furniture Birmingham
White Goods Assistance (Sometimes Included)	Fridges, cookers, washing machines	Varies (sometimes separate from furniture)	Part of LWAS or crisis schemes	white goods and furniture help UK

1. Local Welfare Assistance Scheme (LWAS)

Nearly every council in the UK has a Local Welfare Assistance Scheme (also known as crisis support or emergency support). These schemes may offer:

• Vouchers or grants for essential household items
• Delivery of basic furniture or carpets
• Second-hand furniture from local suppliers

Eligibility varies by region, so check with your local council’s website for the most up-to-date info.

🗺️ Example:

• London: Some boroughs offer furniture grants London programs
• Manchester: Carpet grants Manchester are available for those in temporary housing
• Glasgow: Council furniture help Glasgow includes emergency furniture packages

2. Charities That Help with Furniture and Carpets

Several UK charities provide free or low-cost furniture and even support for flooring needs. Some of the most well-known include:

👉 Turn2us

Turn2us helps people in financial difficulty find grants for essential items, including furniture.

👉 St. Vincent de Paul

Offers furniture collection and redistribution services to people in need.

👉 British Red Cross

Provides emergency support, including help with household items for those recently rehoused.

👉 Emmaus

Offers second-hand furniture and can provide assistance to formerly homeless individuals.

3. Crisis Grants and Social Fund Help

In emergency situations, crisis grants are available from councils or social funds. These are meant for urgent needs, such as:

• Floods or fire damage
• Escaping domestic violence
• Moving from homelessness into housing

These grants often cover:

• Basic carpets or flooring
• Beds, sofas, and storage
• Essential white goods like fridges or cookers

What Items Are Covered?

Depending on the scheme, here are common items covered under grants:

✅ Furniture

• Beds and mattresses
• Wardrobes and storage units
• Dining tables and chairs
• Sofas and armchairs

✅ Carpets & Flooring

• Bedroom or living room carpets
• Vinyl flooring for kitchens/bathrooms
• Basic installation services in some areas

✅ White Goods (in some cases)

• Fridges, freezers
• Washing machines
• Cookers

🌍 Regional Availability and Examples

Not every council offers the same level of help, so here’s a quick regional breakdown:

🏙️ Furniture Grants London

Many London boroughs, like Camden and Islington, offer furniture vouchers or referrals to local schemes.

🏙️ Carpet Grants Manchester

Manchester City Council supports flooring costs in rehousing situations or via referral from a social worker.

🏙️ Help with Furniture Birmingham

Schemes in Birmingham may involve reused furniture donations or grants to low-income families.

🏙️ Welfare Assistance Newcastle

The Newcastle Crisis Support Scheme can offer essential household goods, including carpets and beds.

📝 How to Apply for Furniture and Carpet Grants

Here are the general steps to apply:

1. Check Eligibility
   Visit your local council’s website or use a benefits calculator like Turn2us to see what you qualify for.
2. Gather Documents
   You may need:
   • Proof of income or benefits
   • Tenancy agreement or proof of address
   • National Insurance number
3. Submit Application
   • Online via your council’s website
   • In-person at a local support office
   • Through a support worker, housing officer, or charity referral
4. Wait for Approval
   Some councils respond within a few days, others may take up to 2 weeks.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

💬 Can I get help for furniture while on Universal Credit?

Yes, many schemes accept Universal Credit as a qualifying benefit.

💬 Are carpets included in all local welfare schemes?

Not all. Some councils prioritize furniture over flooring, but emergency support can include carpets.

💬 How long does the process take?

Some grants are awarded within 3–5 days, but it may take longer if demand is high.

🧾 Conclusion

If you’re living without the basics like a bed or carpet, you don’t have to go without. Across the UK, there are grants for furniture and carpets designed to help you live in dignity—whether through your local council, national charities, or emergency social funds.

Check your eligibility today and reach out to a local scheme or charity to get started.