As summer draws to a close, we want to let you know about the support available during the colder months. Managing an increase in bills can be a challenge during autumn and winter but there are lots of fantastic services that are here to help.
From government schemes to discounts, check out what’s available to you below.
Warm Home Discount
Opening on 12 October, this useful service can provide people with a £140 discount on electricity during cold months. People with both pre-pay and pay-as-you-go meters qualify for this discount and your specific supplier can tell you how to go about applying for this benefit.
Full information on this scheme can be found here. Six energy suppliers provide this discount so for tailored information, visit the website of your company.
Charis Grants
As well as support for bills, there is also help available for white goods. The Let’s Talk Energy Fund is in place to help people replace inefficient white goods, including washing machines and fridges, and assist with repairs.
This brilliant service is available for customers of the following energy suppliers: Boost, OVO, Spark, SSE.
If you are eligible for this support but are having trouble applying, please do get in touch with us. We can help you complete your application or apply on your behalf. Please note, to benefit from this service your gross annual household income (before tax and deductions) would be less than £16,190. Recipients of the following can apply too:
- Pension Credit (Guarantee or Savings)
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Job Seeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment Support Allowance
- Universal Credit
General support and advice
There is lots of advice out there for anyone concerned about their bills during winter.
- Your local Citizens Advice can help you understand your bills and energy usage, and offer handy information to ensure that you’re using the best tariff. They can also provide tailored support if you’re struggling to pay your bill.
- Older adults, born on or before 5 October 1954, can apply for a Winter Fuel Payment which varies between £100 to £300. This can be awarded automatically but also by making a claim. Find out more here.
- The government also offers a Cold Weather Payment for people receiving certain benefits. This comes into action if temperatures reach, or are forecast to reach, zero degrees celsius over seven days. This scheme begins on 1 November 2020. More information can be viewed here.
- The Southampton Environment Centre offers advice and practical support to all city residents who need support about reducing their utility bills. They can also signpost to discounts and grants to improve energy efficiency.
If you are concerned about your finances and would like help with any of the support mentioned here, or general advice, please do contact us on 0300 123 1 567.