AS temperatures plummet, coping with the rising cost of warming our homes is a worry and a struggle for many households.
Just the thought of how much it will cost to keep your home warm this winter can leave you feeling cold. However, you may be entitled to help.
Making our properties more energy efficient remains a priority of the Government, and there are numerous grants in place to help. But many still go unclaimed, largely because people do not know they exist or where to look. Much of the help is aimed at the elderly, disabled or those on low incomes, but not all.
The Government, energy suppliers and local authorities all provide energy saving grants and the Government’s Energy Saving Trust(call 0300 123 1234) is a good starting point for finding out what you might be entitled to.
Free insulation and new boilers are just some of the measures being offered by some of the big energy suppliers to those on certain benefits, potentially saving thousands of pounds.
A new boiler could save between £130 and £300 a year, while cavity wall insulation can typically reduce bills by between £100 and £250 a year. Adding new insulation to a loft that has none could chip away another £140-£250 a year. You may get these measures for free if you receive certain tax credits or income-based benefits, such as pension credit or income support.
Those born on or before July 5 1952, could receive a tax-free Winter Fuel Payment of up to £300 from the Government. Receiving the payment does not affect any other benefits you get, but how much you receive will depend on your circumstances. You should receive it automatically if you are on State Pension or another social security benefit, such as Pension Credit or Jobseeker’s Allowance. If you only get Housing Benefit, Council Tax reduction or Child Benefit and have not received a Winter Fuel Payment before, you will have to claim it.
If temperatures hit zero, the Cold Weather Payment is another grant paid by the Government to older people and those on certain benefits. It applies if the average temperature is 0°C or below for seven days in a row between November 1 2014 and March 31 2015. You’ll get £25 for every seven consecutive days of cold weather, payable into the same account that your benefits are paid into, within 14 working days of the cold spell. Eligibility includes those who get Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-based Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit (you are excluded if you’re employed or self-employed) AND you either have a child who is disabled or under five living with you, or you get a disability or pensioner premium.
This winter you could also be entitled to a £140 discount on your electricity bill through the Warm Home Discount Scheme. However, you only qualify if on July 12, 2014, your energy supplier was part of the scheme, your name (or your partner’s) was on the bill and you were getting the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit.
Even if you do not quality, some suppliers offer the discount to vulnerable people such as those on low income. Each supplier will have its own rules on this and you will need to check eligibility with your supplier.
As well as grants to make your home more energy efficient, some utility companies also offer help if you have large arrears on your gas, electricity or water bills.
