How our three eligibility tiers work — and why they exist
Nobody should have to prove they are poor enough to deserve a kettle. But we also have a duty to make sure a £400 refurbished laptop reaches the person who genuinely needs it. Tiers are how we hold both of those things at once.
Tier 1 — open request
Most everyday items sit here: kitchenware, bedding, books, toys, small furniture. You tick a short self-declaration of need and that is it. No documents, no interview, no questions about your circumstances.
Tier 2 — a simple proof
Larger or higher-demand items — washing machines, sofas, beds — need one piece of evidence. A benefits letter, a council tax reduction notice, or a letter from a support service all work. You upload it once, it is stored privately, and only our requests team can see it.
Tier 3 — referral only
A small number of items are reserved for people referred by a support worker, housing officer, school or partner charity. These are usually laptops, white goods and full home set-ups for people leaving temporary accommodation.
If you work in a support role, you can register as a referral partner and submit referrals directly. Partners hear back within one working day.
What tiers are not
Tiers are not a ranking of who deserves more. They are a queue-management tool for the handful of items where demand outstrips supply. If a tier is standing between you and something you need, tell us — we can often find an alternative from the same week's intake.
Got something usable to pass on, or need something yourself?