keeping Warm 2012/13 - hints and tips.

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As promised here is some information that may be helpful!

Best Wishes

Jo

• Winter Fuel Payment

A Winter Fuel Payment is a tax-free payment for people aged 60 and over. It is paid every year during the winter months to help with your fuel costs. Winter Fuel Payments do not depend on how cold the weather gets.

• Cold Weather Payment

This is only paid when the weather falls below a certain temperature. These payments are made to people on the following income-related benefits:

o Income Support or Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance because you are aged 60 or over;

o Income Support or Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance if you have a child under five or are responsible for a disabled child;

o Income Support if you are long-term sick or disabled; or

o Pension Credit.

• Warm Home Discount Scheme (England, Scotland and Wales)

The Warm Home Discount Scheme (WHD) will run for four years from winter 2011/12. The scheme is run with electricity providers and gives a one-off £130 discount on your winter electricity bill.

To qualify in the core group you must:

o be aged under 80 and receive only the guarantee part of Pension Credit; or

o be aged over 80 and receive the guarantee part of pension credit (you can also receive the savings element); and

o be with a supplier participating in the scheme.

You may also be able to claim this rebate under the broader group rules if you are classed as being in a vulnerable group, for example if you have an illness or disability. The electricity providers will have their own criteria for eligibility under the broader group.

The participating suppliers are in this scheme are: Atlantic, British Gas, EDF Energy, EON, Equipower, Equigas, Manweb, M&S Energy, npower, Sainsbury’s Energy, Scottish Gas, Scottish Hydro, Scottish Power, Southern Electric, SSE, Swalec and Utility Warehouse.

The Home Heat Helpline – 0800 33 66 99 – has advice and information on this scheme and other heating issues. Calls are free and lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm.

• Warm Home Grant and One Off Payment Schemes (Northern Ireland)

Eligible households in Northern Ireland can receive grants to help make their homes energy efficient and warm. To be eligible for these grants people will need to be in receipt of certain means tested benefits such as Pension Credit or Income Based ESA.

Further information can be found by going to: nidirect.gov.uk/warm-homes-... or by calling 0800 142 2865 – calls to this number are free.

This scheme also has a one off fuel allowance which is payable in the winter. The amount you can receive will depend on which means tested benefit you are receiving, an example of this would be Pension Credit.

For further information on this scheme you can go to:

nidirect.gov.uk/one-off-fue... or by calling 0300 200 7870.

• Switch Suppliers

Changing who supplies your gas and electricity can potentially save you money on your bill.

It may be cheaper to get your gas and electricity from the same supplier and if you can pay by direct debit and opt for paperless billing as this may also come with a discount.

Each supplier is different and they all want your business, suppliers may offer different deals depending on how many people live in the home and how many bedrooms there are.

Always ask what discounted or social tariffs they may have for people on certain benefits and/or illnesses and chronic conditions. The BLF advises a temperature of 21c in the living areas and 18c in the bedroom.

There are also a number of companies on the internet who offer free ‘switching services’, you contact them with the details of your current provider and usage and they will try to find you cheaper energy deals.

• Oil Suppliers

There are also organisations on the internet that can help you compare the price of domestic oil suppliers in the UK.

Some communities where oil is the main or only fuel have joined together to buy oil supplies in bulk to help keep the price down.

• Tips for keeping warm

Although we always advise keeping the heating at a constant temperature we appreciate this may not always be possible, below is a list of ideas to help you keep warm.

• Wear thin layers of clothing together rather than thick jumpers, thinner layers help to keep heat in next the body.

• Draw your curtains as soon as it gets dark to help keep heat in the home.

• Set the timer on your heating to come on before you get up in the morning and ensure your bedroom is warm before you go to bed.

• Eat regular hot food high in carbohydrates such as potatoes, rice and bread.

• Keep internal doors closed to keep in the heat.

• If you are sitting down keep your feet up as cold air circulates nearer the floor.

• Check if you may be entitled to free cavity wall and loft insulation

You may be able to get help with the cost of insulating your home or making it more energy-efficient through various grants and schemes. This can help you reduce your gas and electricity bills.

For further information contact:-

Energy efficiency Helpline (England & Wales) – 0300 123 1234

(Scotland & Northern Ireland) – 0800 512 012

If you do feel you are having difficulties paying your fuel bills contact your provider straightaway to discuss the situation to see if there is any help they can give you.