The Setting up Home Allowance is designed to help you buy the essential items you need for your first home. You may be entitled to up to £3,000 through the Setting up Home Allowance. It is important to use this funding carefully, as you may need some items later. If you do not need an item immediately, this does not mean you can spend more money on other items.
Always get a VAT receipt for any purchases made through your allowance.
Suggested spending guide
The costs below are a guide to help you plan your budget. Actual costs may vary.
White goods
| Item | Suggested budget |
|---|---|
| Oven | £240 |
| Washing machine | £240 |
| Tumble dryer (not essential) | £240 |
| Fridge | £140 |
| Freezer | £140 |
| Fridge freezer | £280 |
Small appliances
| Item | Suggested budget |
|---|---|
| Microwave | £60 |
| Vacuum cleaner | £40 |
| Iron | £12 |
| Kettle | £20 |
| Toaster | £12 |
| Air fryer | £50 |
Safety and home essentials
| Item | Suggested budget |
|---|---|
| Ring doorbell | £130 |
| Curtains | Around £60 |
| Curtain rails | Around £50 |
| Carpets and flooring (if carpets are required, apply to welfare fund for white goods) | Based on property size |
Kitchen essentials
| Item | Suggested budget |
|---|---|
| Pans | £30 |
| Cutlery | £10 |
| Plates and bowls | £20 |
| Mugs and glasses | £9 |
| Food storage containers | £6 |
| Chopping board | £6 |
| Can opener | £1 |
| Bottle opener | £1 |
| Potato peeler | £1 |
| Kitchen utensil set | £8 |
| Cooking trays | £7 |
| Pyrex dish | £7 |
| Kitchen knives | £8 |
| Jug | £2 |
| Glass bowl | £3 |
| Collander | £1 |
| Tea, coffee, sugar set | £10 |
| Kitchen bin | £15 |
| Washing up bowl | £2 |
| Drainer | £4 |
| Tea towels | £6 |
| Oven gloves | £4 |
| Ironing board | £18 |
| Laundry basket | £6 |
| Clothes airier | £14 |
| Floor mop and bucket | £8 |
| Dust pan and brush | £2 |
Your Personal Adviser can help you decide what kitchen items you need and how much of your budget to allocate.
Bedroom furniture
| Item | Suggested budget |
|---|---|
| Bed and mattress | £250 |
| Wardrobe | £180 |
| Chest of drawers | £100 |
| Fitted sheet x2 | £12 |
| Duvet cover and pillow cases x2 | £40 |
| Pillows x2 | £8 |
| Duvet | £12 |
| Clothes hangers | £5 |
Bathroom essentials
| Item | Suggested budget |
|---|---|
| Bath towels x3 | £18 |
| Hand towels x3 | £12 |
| Toilet brush | £5 |
| Toothbrush holder | £4 |
| Bath mat | £8 |
| Mirror | £4 |
Living room furniture
| Item | Suggested budget |
|---|---|
| Sofa | £400 |
| TV unit | £60 |
| Television | £300 |
| TV licence | Current annual fee |
| Lamp | £10 |
| Cushions | £10 |
Additional items we may consider
These items will reduce the amount available for other purchases.
Garden equipment
| Item | Suggested budget |
|---|---|
| Lawn mower | £60 |
| Strimmer | £40 |
Baby equipment
If you are a parent and are not eligible for a maternity grant, we may consider:
| Item | Suggested budget |
|---|---|
| Cot | £140 |
| Pram | £100 |
| Safety gate | £25 |
| Baby monitor | £30 |
| Bottles and steriliser | £35 |
| Moses basket | £40 |
Before purchasing baby equipment, check whether the Hartlepool Baby Bank can help.
Where to shop
You can choose items from a range of retailers, including:
- Argos
- AO
- Asda
- B&Q
- British Heart Foundation
- B&M
- Currys
- Dunelm
- Home Bargains
- Morrisons
- M&S
- Screwfix
- Tesco
- Very
Currys care leaver discount
Currys currently offers a discount for eligible care leavers.
Speak to your Personal Adviser about accessing this discount when planning your purchases.
Important
Essential items should always be your priority.
If you need support with additional costs, speak to your Personal Adviser about other funding that may be available, including the Crisis Resilience Fund.