It is common for people sometimes to face financial hardships and run short of money to meet expenses. Even businesses may need help to sustain themselves, especially in their initial stages. With that in mind, the UK government awards grants to people and businesses. A grant is a sum of money the government provides without the obligation for the receiver to pay it back. Here, we have listed some popular grants and tips for applying:

Popular government grants
Government grants in the UK are not only for people. Even public and private sector businesses, non-profit organisations, and local authorities can apply for them. The following are a few examples:

Electric vehicle chargepoint grant for renters and flat owners:  Electric vehicles are the future of mobility. They help reduce pollution by swapping out combustion engines and using electric motors. However, installing a charging point for EVs is expensive. This is why governments across the globe actively provide special benefits to citizens who own and drive such vehicles. In the UK, a government team called the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles provides grants to renters and flat owners who drive EVs. They can use the money to buy and install charge points. Beneficiaries receive amounts ranging from £300 to £350 for this purpose.

Electric vehicle chargepoint and infrastructure grants for landlords:  The government provides this grant to landlords for installing electric vehicle charge points and supporting infrastructure in leasehold and rental properties. Once again, the department that funds this initiative is the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles. Individuals, public sector companies, non-profit organisations, and private sector entities can apply for this grant. While the total size of the grant scheme is £500,000, applicants can get anywhere between £350 and £30,000 in grants from the government.

Healthy Start grant:  Women who are ten weeks pregnant can apply for this grant to purchase milk and food. The scheme is also useful for mothers with a child under age 4. Once the application is successful, those eligible receive a Healthy Start card with money loaded to cover the costs of certain essentials. Cardholders can only use the card at shops within the UK. One can visit the government’s website to understand the terms and learn whether they qualify for the benefit.

Disabled facilities grants: People with disabilities need special care and often spend more to cover their daily expenses. This is where disabled facilities grants help. They are among the most useful grants for seniors and anyone with disabilities. One can use the grant to make specific structural and functional changes to their homes to facilitate free and independent living. While senior citizens are bound to use this grant the most, it is accessible to people of all ages and tenures who are residents of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The total amount one can get ranges from £1 to £36,000. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities provides this grant.

Free government debt relief plans
Besides grants, the government offers Debt Relief Orders (DROs). This scheme is useful for people struggling with debt, especially if they owe less than £30,000, have little spare income (generally, less than £75 per month), and do not own a house.

Using DROs, debt-ridden applicants can stop making payments to cover their debts, including any interest payments for an entire year. However, those under the plan must follow specific financial rules for that period. These restrictions will no longer continue after 12 months.

After approval for a DRO, the beneficiary’s financial situation is closely monitored. If their financial condition drastically changes, the authorities can take the financial grants and benefits back.

Tips to apply for government grants
While the government grants application process is fairly straightforward, people must know a few things before proceeding. Hundreds upon hundreds (at the very least) of people and businesses seek these grants. So, one should be careful during the process to improve their chances of being selected. When applying for a grant, the to-be beneficiary must follow these handy tips:

• Read the documentation carefully.
• Understand the eligibility criteria and scope of a given set of grants.
• Find out who is funding the grant.
• Know the objectives of a given grant.
• Find out how to apply for government grants.
• Understand what parts of a given business or non-profit organisation resonate with the objectives of a given grant.

Benefits and grants for seniors
Besides grants, the government provides several other benefits for seniors. For instance, those over 60 are eligible for free prescriptions, NHS eye tests, and NHS dental treatment. Seniors of the state pension age can also claim pension guarantee credits and other benefits. One can learn more about the benefits and grants for seniors by visiting the government’s website. Before applying, one must read the terms and conditions carefully. Following the due process is also important to increase the chances of being selected.