How to get help with winter energy bills and cost of living
If you need some help with your bills this winter, there are a few initiatives you need to be aware of.
Cost of Living Payment
Millions of lower income households should have received £300 Cost of Living Payment from Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) between 31 October and 19 November 2023.
This was the second of three payments totalling up to £900 to support eligible people, on means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit or tax credits, with the cost of living in 2023 to 2024.
Eligible households will receive the next cost of living payment between Tuesday, 6 February and Thursday, 22 February. This is the third and final payment for the 2023/2024 period and there are no further payments planned.
To be eligible for the Cost of Living Payment, you need to have been entitled to a payment for a qualifying benefit between 18 August 2023 and 17 September 2023.
Winter Fuel Payment
The Winter Fuel Payment is for people born before 25 September 1957 and living in the UK. This is an additional benefit to help pensioners with the cost of heating over the winter, paid in November or December.
The winter fuel payment is anywhere between £250 and £600 depending on your circumstances. This is known as the pensioner cost of living payment and is in addition to anything you get with your benefit or tax credits.
If you believe you qualify but have not received a letter or the money has not been paid into your account by 26 January, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
Cold Weather Payment
A Cold Weather Payment is also available to help with fuel costs during periods of very cold weather. The temperature where you live must be zero degrees Celsius or below, for at least seven days in a row, between 1 November 2023 and 31 March 2024.
You may get Cold Weather Payments if you’re getting:
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Universal Credit
- Support for Mortgage Interest
If you’re eligible to get a Cold Weather Payment, you’ll be paid it automatically. The 2023 to 2024 scheme started on 1 November 2023. Tell the Pension Service or Jobcentre Plus if you think you should’ve received a Cold Weather Payment but have not.
Don’t forget that councils have extra money to run discretionary funding schemes. If you’re struggling, you should ask your council about their scheme.
Other ways to ease cost of living
Are you eligible for a cheaper, ‘social’ tariff for your broadband? If you are in receipt of benefits, you may well be able to access lower-cost internet. There are a whole range of schemes which vary from supplier to supplier, and Money Saving Expert has collated a list. Check it out and see if you could save money.
Give your finances a refresh
If you’re worried about the cost of living and your income, our Rent Assist Team can help. All Habinteg tenants - disabled and non-disabled - can benefit from a one-to-one chat with a Rent Assist team member on 0300 365 3100.
You can also get a free referral to an income and benefits service run by our partner, Disability Rights UK. They provide advice on welfare benefits and other financial support you might be entitled to. Why not give it a go today?
