1. Set up a profile
Visit the Lightning Reach website. Use your email address and answer a few simple questions to set up a free profile. This should only take 10-15 minutes. You will then receive a personalised list of all the support Lightning Reach think you are eligible to apply for based on your circumstances, and information on how to apply.
2. Apply for support
Through the Lightning Reach portal, you can apply for many different sources of support, without having to give the same information over and over again.
3. Get support quickly
The portal collects all the information organisations need to assess your application. This makes it faster for you to get the help you need. Lightning Reach is very safe to use because it uses modern and secure technology to protect your information, keeping your details and documents safe.
Who can use the Lightning Reach portal?
If your finances have taken a knock recently, or if you are worried about making ends meet, Lightning Reach could help you pay for an unaffordable or unexpected cost (e.g. food/utility bills, disability adaptations, replacement furniture/white goods).
Once your profile is set up, you will need to answer a simple 10-15 min questionnaire to quickly see a range of support they are eligible for, and then apply for support directly.
What support is available on the Lightning Reach portal?
Over 2,500 support schemes including:
- Grants from charities
- Local council funding
- Support with utility bills
In some cases, providers can accept applications directly through the Lightning Reach portal, making it easy to get the support you need. However, for some organisations, you may need to apply directly through their websites.
If you are having technical difficulties, support is available through hello@lightningreach.org
Connecting to your bank account, is it safe?
Lightning Reach will ask that you connect to your bank account, so they can see evidence of your financial situation. This gives their team read-only access to the last three months of transaction information and account balances. It does not provide any more information than would be included in a bank statement, but it allows much faster processing of your application. They will not be able to see your login/password information or access your bank account – do not share your login/password details either.
Wider support from Torus and Torus Foundation
Don’t forget Torus tenants and residents can also benefit from support available from Torus and Torus Foundation. Please don’t struggle alone. Speak to Torus’s Income Officers or see what advice and opportunities are available from Torus Foundation.