Financial support for those experiencing fuel poverty
With fuel bills on the rise and winter setting in fast, we are sharing some ideas to help get support if you are struggling with fuel poverty.
Warm Home Discount Scheme
You could get up to £140.00 off your electricity bill for winter 2021 - 2022 under the Warm Home Discount Scheme. The money is a one-off discount on your electricity bill, between September and March.
You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity. Contact your supplier to find out more.
Who qualifies?
There are two ways to qualify for the Warm Homes Discount Scheme:
How you apply for the Warm Home Discount Scheme will depend on how you qualify for the discount.
Pre-pay or pay-as-you-go meters
If you use a pre-pay or pay-as-you-go electricity meter you may still qualify for the Warm Homes discount. Your electricity supplier can tell you how you’ll get the discount if you are eligible. For example, a voucher may be issued which you can use to top up your meter.
See a list of energy suppliers who are part of the scheme
Cold Weather Payments
The Cold Weather Payment scheme runs from 1 November 2021 to 31 March 2022. You may be eligible for a Cold Weather Payment if you’re getting certain benefits.
You’ll get a payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees celsius or below, over 7 consecutive days.
You’ll get £25.00 for each 7 day period of very cold weather, between 1 November and 31 March.
Winter Fuel Payment
If you were born on or before 26 September 1955 you could get between £100.00 and £300.00 to help pay your heating bills. This is known as a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’.
You usually get a Winter Fuel Payment if you are eligible and you get the State Pension or another social security benefit (not Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Child Benefit or Universal Credit).
Most payments are made automatically between November and December. You should get your money by 14 January 2022. If you’re eligible, but do not get paid automatically you will need to make a claim.
If you do not get your payment, you can contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre. Any money you get will not affect your other benefits.
Wrekin customers
Our expert Money Matters Team are on hand to support you during a financial crisis, offer welfare benefit advice, budgeting support and much more. Contact the team directly via email at money.matters@wrekin.com to request a call back, or call 01952 217234.
If you are struggling with debts, we offer free, impartial, confidential debt advice. Contact Wrekin Debt Advice at debtadvice@wrekin.com or call 01952 217250.
18th November 2021