In this post we wanted to share with you some of the ways you can get help with utilities. These are brief descriptions, see the pages talked about for details and more information on claiming and eligibility.
If you don't know who your gas or electricity supplier is click here to see if this website can help you find out!
Energy Bills Support Scheme from the Government
All households were helped last year with a discount on their utilities. This has now come to an end.
The Government have a dedicated website which lists all the ways they currently offer help and who qualifies.
For detailed information, answers to more questions and to find out if you are eligible for further support click here
Hardship Funds & Debts to energy suppliers
If you are experiencing hardship or in debt to your energy supplier, there are several that offer grants you could apply for with some providers. Citizens Advice have a list detailing them. You might be able to get help this way.
Click here to visit the Citizens Advice page detailing the list.
If you can't afford to top up your prepayment meter
You might be able to get a fuel voucher. This is a code given to you in a letter or in a text message or email. You can use it to add credit to your gas card or electricity key. If you don't have one of these, contact your supplier to get one.
Your local council might be able to help you get a fuel voucher, or have grants or schemes running to help. To find out which council to apply to click here.
Helping Hand - Bucks
If you are a Bucks resident do check out their page. Helping Hand offers help and advice to a wide range of people, for different things, including food and fuel. Click here to visit their page.
Alternatively if you are a Slough resident, click here to find out information on their Household Support Fund.
Warm Home Discount
You could get £150 off your electricity bill for winter under the Warm Home Discount Scheme.
There are 2 ways to qualify for this:
- you get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit - known as the ‘core group’
- you’re on a low income and meet your energy supplier’s criteria for the scheme - known as the ‘broader group’
Click here to visit the relevant page on the government website for more information.
Winter Fuel Payment
If you were born on or before 26 September 1955 you could get between £250 and £600 to help you pay your heating bills. This is known as a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’.
You will get your Winter Fuel Payment automatically (you do not need to claim) if you’re eligible and either:
- get the State Pension
- get another social security benefit (not Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Child Benefit or Universal Credit)
Click here to visit the relevant page on the government website for more information.
Cold Weather Payment
You may get a Cold Weather Payment if you’re getting certain benefits or Support for Mortgage Interest.
You’ll get a payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees celsius or below over 7 consecutive days.
You’ll get £25 for each 7 day period of very cold weather between 1 November and 31 March.
Click here to visit the relevant page on the government website for more information.