Worried about the bills landing on the doormat? Here’s what we need to know
With the energy price cap set to rise in April, many of us will face even greater challenges in keeping up with our energy bills.
But as we head into Spring, government support like Warm House Discounts and Winter Payments won’t be available again until Autumn. So what can we do?
The first place to turn if we’re struggling with energy bills is our supplier. They can check if there’s a cheaper tariff we should be on and help make sure we can pay. There could also be a grant available.
It’s important to make contact. If we don’t try to work out an arrangement, they may threaten to cut us off. But help is out there.
Benefit Check
There is financial help for those who are struggling most but, more and more, it is means-tested. People on the lowest incomes are assumed to be on benefits, so these are often the gateway. If we’re older, we should check if we can claim Pension Credit, and possibly Attendance Allowance.
Working age people should start with Universal Credit. Even if we’re in work, tax credits and support for low-pay earners may apply. Many people are put off by complex rules and the process for applying, but it’s too costly not to try.
Use our online calculator, which also highlights any additional support we might be entitled to.
Not everyone is online, so advice and support agencies are there to help. With changes to the rules for some support, charities like Turn2us and StepChange are primed to help us get what we’re entitled to.
Household Support Fund
The Household Support Fund is a budget managed by local councils to help with the cost of essentials. They decide how to spend its share of the fund locally, so contact them direct for details.
Fuel Banks
Fuel Banks generally work from food banks and work along similar lines, providing emergency help. They are aimed at people with prepayment meters and provide vouchers to top a meter for around two weeks.
Contact a Quids in! Centre (if there is one nearby), Citizens Advice, a social worker, GP or other support organisation who can refer us to a food bank or may be able to offer us a fuel voucher directly.
There’s a full list of groups that work with Fuel Banks and distribute vouchers at www.fuelbankfoundation.org/our-partners/. We can also ask for help with fuel vouchers through our local council.
Image: Monkey Business Images / Shutterstock
