The impact of higher energy prices and cuts to Universal Credit means that some of our customers will struggle to heat their homes and feed their families this winter.
That’s why Abri’s pledged £15,000 to HACTs Energy Hardship Fund to help make sure that people don’t have to choose between a warm home or food. HACT want to fundraise £1m to help people across the UK.
Michelle Dawson, Director of Housing and Communities at Abri, said: “It’s really important that we back HACT’s Energy Hardship Fund at a time when customers need additional support. The cold weather is already up on us, and energy prices are rising. Fuel poverty is a constant concern, and we should do everything we can so that customers don’t have to choose between heating and other crucial costs, such as food and rent.”
Last year, HACT’s Energy Hardship Fund distributed £1m in energy vouchers to over 16,000 resident households across the UK, using a network of over 160 housing associations. This year, the need for support is even higher.
HACT are seeking support from social housing organisations, their supply chain and procurement organisations, as well as charitable trusts and foundations.
We’ve pledged £15,000 and will be working with them again this year to distribute energy vouchers to those most in need. But we’re not stopping there. We’re making sure our customers know of the other ways they can get help.
Warm Home Discount
The Warm Home Discount deducts £140 from electric bills, usually paid between October and March. This is available for those who receive the Guarantee Element of Pension Credit on/before 4 July 2021, of those who fit the “broader criteria” set by their energy supplier for their customers – often those on a lower income. The number of discounts suppliers can give is limited.
Winter Fuel Payment
For those born before 26 September 1955, they will be eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment of between £100 and £300. They get this automatically if they get a state pension or have received it before. It is usually paid in November or December and always by 14 January 2022.
Healthy Start Vouchers
For those with a child under 4 and are entitled to certain benefits*, they can claim Healthy Start vouchers worth £4.25 per week (£8.50 per week until baby’s first birthday).
(*Universal Credit with earnings of less than £408 per month, Income Support, Job Seeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance Income-based, Child Tax Credit (with earnings of less than £16,190 per year, Pension Credit).
It’s also available for those under 18 and pregnant, regardless of income.
Household Support Fund
This fund is available from October 2021 and county councils and unitary authorities will have money to help vulnerable households with the essentials, including food costs and utility bills.
Working together, we can stand beside residents facing fuel poverty this winter.
You can find out more about HACT’s Energy Hardship Fund here.
