There are a lot of practical, low-cost things you can do in your own home, or the home of someone you’re caring for to help ready your property for winter and reduce your winter fuel bills – read our guide to getting your home ready for winter here.
We also recommend taking some time to find out if there are cheaper deals, and also financial support for your bills. We’ve gathered up some of the major support that’s available below.
Check if there’s a better deal for you
Energy prices have risen sharply in recent years, and it’s always worth checking if you can get a better tariff. Price comparison sites such as Money Saving Expert can help you find the most competitive deal, and to switch supplier if necessary.
Winter Fuel Payment
For those over state pension age, the Winter Fuel Payment is a payment made by the government to help with energy bills in the colder months. For winter 2024, you can get a Winter Fuel Payment if you were born before 23 September 1958.
You must also live in England or Wales and get one of the following:
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
The payment is made automatically and directly to your bank account in November or December.
If you live in Scotland, you might get an annual Pension Age Winter Heating Payment instead.
The government’s full guide to receiving the discount is here.
The Warm Home Discount Scheme
The Warm Home Discount Scheme is a one-off £150 discount off your electricity bill, paid by the government. If you’re eligible, your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill.
If you live in England and Wales, you qualify if you either:
- get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit
- are on a low income and have high energy costs
The government’s full guide to receiving the discount is here.
The Cold Weather Payment
The Cold Weather Payment is a government payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees celsius or below over seven consecutive days. This winter, you receive £25 for each seven-day period of very cold weather between 1 November 2024 and 31 March 2025.
You may be eligible to receive Cold Weather Payments if you’re getting:
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Universal Credit
- Support for Mortgage Interest
It’s paid automatically into your bank account if you receive these benefits. If you think you might be eligible but haven’t received a payment, you can contact the Pension Service or Jobcentre Plus for help.
Local council support via the Household Support Fund
Local authorities often have pots of government funding, called the Household Support Fund, which can provide support for essentials like fuel and food bills. You can find the name and contact details of your local council here. If you’re based in Hertfordshire, specific information is available here.
Get free, impartial advice
For free advice and support about energy bills, you can also contact LEAP, the Local Energy Advice Partnership. LEAP provides information and assistance with paying fuel bills and finding out what support may be available to you.
For accurate, up to date general information and support, your county’s adult social services department and the Citizen’s Advice Bureau can offer advice and answer questions you may have. Nationwide, AgeUK’s advice line can also provide advice and support 8AM-7PM, 365 days of the year on 0800 678 1602.
About Us
Here at Ethica, we’re experienced providers of home care across the county of Hertfordshire. We’re happy to answer any questions you might have about home care – contact us by phone on 01442 501162, or by email at herts.team@ethicacare.co.uk. We’re open Monday-Friday 9AM-5.30PM and Saturday-Sunday 8AM-6PM.
For queries outside of Hertfordshire, you can contact our London office on 0207 1128186 or via email at team@ethicacare.co.uk.
