THE Winter Fuel Payment has been scrapped for millions of pensioners – but other help is at hand if you’re set to miss out.
Ministers have made the up to £300 payment means-tested with only those on certain benefits qualifying this year.
Energy firms offer struggling customers grants[/caption]
The decision, branded “harmful” by the Conservative Party chairman, means around 10million previously eligible will not be this winter.
But if you are part of the cohort who won’t be getting the top up, there is other help on offer from energy firms.
From grants if you’re struggling to cover the cost of your bills, to free electric blankets here is all the help you can get over the new few months from each of the energy firms.
British Gas
British Gas has set aside £200million to support customers facing financial hardship through its Energy Support Fund.
Customers qualify for grants worth up to £2,000.
To be eligible, customers must be seeking a grant to clear an outstanding debt on a current gas, electricity or dual fuel energy account relating to their main residence.
The debt to be cleared must be between £50 and £1,700.
Customers will only be eligible for one grant in a 12 month period and must be in, or facing, fuel poverty.
You must also have received help from a money advice agency within the last six months.
ScottishPower
ScottishPower customers can get help via its Hardship Fund.
You may qualify for help if you receive support from one of the following benefits:
- Income related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income Support
- Housing Benefit
- Universal Credit
- Child Tax Credits
- Working Tax Credits
- Pension Credit Savings Credit (PCSC)
You could be in line for help if you are on a low income or suffering from an illness that has impacted your earnings.
If your application is successful the fund will wipe all or part of your debt.
To apply contact a recognised debt advice agency such as Step Change online or via phone on 0800 138 1111.
EDF
EDF’s Consumer Support Fund provides grants to support vulnerable customers struggling with energy debt.
Grants are given to help clear debt as well as to provide essential white goods, such as fridges or cookers.
You can apply to the scheme through EDF’s Let’s Talk website.
However, you need to have taken independent advice before you can apply for funding.
You will also need to provide your EDF account number, current debt balance and details of your household finances and vulnerability.
Utilita
Utilita Giving is the charity partner of Utilita offering vulnerable customers grants to help clear energy debt.
The charity operates a number of schemes with its Helping Hand Fund curently open for applications.
The fund provides grants to wipe or reduced energy debts.
You apply via the charity’s website and have to provide details of your gas or electricity debt, as well as your household finances, including benefits and pensions.
Utility Warehouse
Utility Warehouse offers financial assistance payments of up to £140 to customers about to go into debt, or those who have run out of credit on their prepayment meter.
The scheme is operated by Citizens Advice Plymouth, which also helps Utility Warehouse customers with budgeting advice and benefits assessments.
Details of how to access support can be found on its site.
Octopus
Octopus Energy customers can apply to its Octo Assist fund for support.
The fund offers pensioners discretionary credit worth between £50 and £200 and also benefit checks to make sure customers are getting the payments they are entitled to.
The energy firm also supports customers with free electric blankets, thermal imaging cameras and advice on cutting energy bills and budgeting.
The Octo Assist Fund has already helped 80,000 customers who were struggling financially.
You can apply online on the Octopus website.
E.ON
E.ON’s Next Energy Fund provides grants to customers struggling with energy debts and replaces appliances that are broken or in poor condition.
Applicants will be asked to supply proof of household income, including evidence of your entitlement to benefits, pension details and confirmation of any medical conditions.
Before you receive help, you’ll also need to show that you’re committed to being financially stable by making regular payments over a three-month period.
Customers can apply online on the provider’s site.
OVO Energy
OVO Energy is giving out £50million worth of support to customers from October 1.
The energy firms’ package of support includes payment holidays for prepayment meter customers, free energy-saving products and direct financial support.
The support each customer will receive depends on their specific circumstances.
Customers can check on OVO’s website now to see if they qualify for support.
Make sure you have your monthly disposable income and up-to-date meter reading to hand beforehand.
Other help you can get with energy bills
Priority Service Register
The Priority Services Register is a free support service offered by energy firms to help customers who need extra help with their energy and water bills.
Some of the help you can get includes priority support in the case of an emergency, advanced notice of scheduled power cuts and regular meter reading services to ensure you are paying the correct amount.
You can also get help moving your prepayment meter if it is located in a place that’s not safely get to and account information and bills in braille or large print.
You qualify for the register if you are of state pension age, pregnant or with young children, or if you struggle speaking or reading English.
More information about the register can be found on the Ofgem website.
Prepayment meter vouchers and credit
You can get temporary credit from your supplier, although it has to be paid back.
In many cases, suppliers offer around £10 to £20 if you run out and can’t top up straight away to ensure that you don’t go without heat or lights.
You may also be able to get a fuel voucher.
This is a code given to you in a letter, text message or email which you can use to add credit to your gas card or electricity key.
Exactly how much it is can vary, but in many cases it’s £49, and you won’t have to pay it back.
Speak to your local Citizens Advice branch or local council about getting one of the vouchers.
What to do if you can’t pay your bills
FALLING behind on your energy bills can be extremely stressful.
If you’re struggling to pay what you owe, contact your supplier as soon as possible.
Your provider has to help you come up with a solution, and you should be able to negotiate a deal that works for you both.
One option is to agree a payment plan where you pay off your debts in affordable instalments.
You may be able to pay off your debts directly from your benefits through the Fuel Direct Scheme.
A fixed amount will automatically be taken to cover what you owe plus your usage.
To be eligible, you must be getting one of the following benefits:
- Income-based jobseeker’s allowance
- Income support
- income-related employment and support allowance
- Pension credit
- Universal Credit (but only if you’re not working)
If you cannot come to an agreement with your supplier, they may try to force you to get a prepayment meter installed.
In very rare cases, where you refuse to negotiate, your supplier might threaten you with disconnection.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
