Support with cost-of-living

Durham County Council has partnered with Lightning Reach to help residents find financial support when they need it most.

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In just a few minutes, you can securely check what support you may be eligible for, including grants, benefits and help with household bills, and apply online for eligible schemes - all in one place.

‍Take the first step today and discover what financial support could be available to you.

Login & apply
Emma

I can feed the kids and I’m not worrying about what I’m going to do about money – it’s given me breathing space.

Through Lightning Reach, Emma found support from a national charity, receiving emergency supermarket vouchers and a £1,500 grant that cleared her debts and helped feed her family.Vivian from Croydon

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Finding support through Lightning Reach

Need help? We've answered some of the questions we hear most often.

FAQ Question

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Who is Lightning Reach?

Lightning Reach is a free online portal that helps you find and apply for personalised financial support in one place. You can explore over 3,100 support schemes, including grants, benefits, help with bills and other essential resources.

Who can apply?

Anyone looking for financial support can create a free Lightning Reach account. The support available to you will depend on your personal circumstances and the eligibility criteria of each scheme.

How does it work?

Simply create your free account and answer a few questions about your circumstances. Lightning Reach will help you discover support you may be eligible for, and you can apply for many schemes directly through the portal.

What financial support is available for County Durham residents?

Residents of County Durham can use Lightning Reach to explore a range of financial support options, including grants, benefits, help with energy bills and other essential household costs. The schemes available will depend on your circumstances and eligibility.

Is Lightning Reach free to use?

Yes! Lightning Reach is completely free to use. You can check what support you may be eligible for and apply for available schemes without paying a fee.