Financial support and the cost of living.
As the winter season approaches and the ongoing cost of living continues to rise, many individuals are understandably worried about how they're going to manage their finances and heating costs.
Make sure you check what you could be eligible for throughout the winter period.
We have pulled together a list of grants and support below, that you may benefit from.
The Winter Fuel Payment is to support households with the cost of heating bills this winter.
You may be eligible if you were born before or on September 24 1957.
The exact amount will depend on your age and whether other people in your household qualify however it can be up to £600.
Most people will be paid the Winter Fuel Payment automatically however you can check your eligibility on the gov.uk website. For further information click here.
You could get £150 off your electricity bill this winter 2023 as part of the Warm Home Discount Scheme.
The payment is a one off discount which is applied directly to your electricity bill between early October 2023 and March 2024.
You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity.
Reach out to your supplier who will be able to advise further.
The discount is usually applied automatically if you meet the eligibility criteria, there are different ways to qualify for the Warm Home Discount Scheme depending on where you live. Click here to check your eligibility.
Vulnerable households across the country may be eligible to funding to help with essential needs and necessities such as food, clothing and utilities.
The Household Support Fund has been extended to March 2024 to support those who need it most.
To find out more about the Household Support Fund or to check if you are eligible, contact your local council for further information.
You can access your local council webpage here by entering your post code.
If you are struggling and stressed about paying your energy bills, under the OFGEM rules your supplier has to help. There are different ways you can receive support from your supplier, including:
- A full payment plan review
- Affordable debt repayment plans
- Payment breaks (though this won't be suitable for everyone)
- Reduction in payments
- More time to pay
- Access to hardship funds.
Your supplier may be offering its own fuel support fund to provide grants towards the cost of your energy bills for those on low incomes and are struggling to pay.
You can check if your energy supplier has a grant or trust fund to help pay energy bills here.
If your supplier is not listed, Charis have partnered with UK energy companies to support households through the Let’s Talk Energy Fund.
As well as fuel support funds and grants some suppliers are offering winter warm support packages. Contact your supplier directly for more information on support.
Did you know?
Octopus Energy
Octopus has relaunched its free electric blankets scheme for those most in need. The company will be targeting certain vulnerable customers and offering them an electric blanket.
Ovo Energy
Ovo Energy is giving away free energy-saving products. Ovo's Winter Support Package is available to customers of Ovo Energy, Boost and SSE Energy.
EDF
EDF is automatically crediting eligible households' energy bills with £30 this winter. You'll get the £30 if you're an existing EDF customer and you received the warm home discount from EDF automatically last winter.
E.ON Next
E.ON are supporting some households with a winter support scheme. Some households can benefit from discount of up to 50% on energy bills this winter. To find out if you are eligible and how the discount works, click here.
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