When money is tight we all need all the help we can get. We have put together a list of resources to help you save money on your bills.
If you are struggling to afford your energy bills, there are several schemes available to help you:
The Government’s Household Support Fund is being distributed by councils in England to directly help those who needed it most. The grant will distributes small payments to support vulnerable households meet daily needs such as food, clothing, and utilities.
If you live in Lambeth you can access this fund if you are facing financial difficulties, including with food and energy costs. You can receive food vouchers and fuel payments, as well as other types of support. The scheme provides in-kind support, such as vouchers, wherever possible, rather than cash grants: https://beta.lambeth.gov.uk/cost-living-crisis-support
If you live in Walsall the advice on how the Household Support Fund is being distributed can be found here: https://go.walsall.gov.uk/benefits/household-support-fund, however applications are currently closed (September 2024).
The Warm Home Discount Scheme re-opens in October 2024
You can find more information here: Warm Home Discount Scheme: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
The money comes in the form of a £150 one-off discount on your electricity bill between October and March. This will not affect any Cold Weather Payment or Winter Fuel Payment you are entitled to.
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 energy company to find out.
The scheme is available if you are on a low income and also if you receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit.
The number of discounts given out is limited so check with your supplier as early as possible to see if you’re eligible and how to apply.
If you are on Pension Credit should receive a letter between October and December telling you how to get the discount, if you qualify. The electricity company will apply the discount to your bill by March 31 next year.
If you're on Pension Credit and don't receive a letter by December 31 but think you’re eligible, call the Warm Home Discount Scheme helpline on 0800 731 0214.
You can still qualify for the discount if you use a pre-pay or pay-as-you-go electricity meter. This usually comes in the form of a voucher.
This is a payment given if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, 0C or below over seven consecutive days.
You will receive £25 for each seven-day period of very cold weather between November 1 and March 31.
To qualify for Cold Weather Payments, you should be on one of the following:
Those on Universal Credit are only eligible for Cold Weather Payments if they are NOT employed or self-employed. One of the following must also apply:
If you think you have missed out on a Cold Weather Payment, contact the Pension Service or Jobcentre Plus.
Under this scheme, you could get either £200 or £300 to help pay your heating bills for winter 2024/2025
You may qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment if both the following apply:
If you are eligible, you should get a letter in October or November notifying you. If you think you are eligible but have not received a letter, check if you need to make a claim Winter Fuel Payment: Check if you need to claim - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
If you are in debt to your energy supplier, speak to them to see if they offer grants or can offer you a payment plan. You can find more information here: Grants and benefits to help you pay your energy bills - Citizens Advice
There are lots of things you can do at home to make savings and lots of other organisations are out there to help you cut costs. Here are just a few things that could make life that little bit easier:
You may be able to claim for a budgeting loan if you have been on certain benefits for 6 months. A Budgeting Loan can help pay for:
You can find more information about how to apply here: Budgeting Loans: Apply - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
If you have children and you get certain benefits, you might be able to get free school meals for your children.
If you can’t afford food you can ask for a referral from Citizens Advice or contact your Tenancy Officer for a voucher for a local food bank.
You may be able to get help with your water bill if you are on a low income or if you get benefits. This could include:
If you, or your household, are struggling with broadband or mobile phone bills, you may be eligible to switch to a social tariff.
You can find more information here: Social tariffs: Cheaper broadband and phone packages - Ofcom
You can find discount vouchers and special offers online for days out and food shopping . Search for voucher codes on the internet or visit websites like myvouchercodes.co.uk or vouchercodes.com. You can sometimes get great deals by shopping online or buying things second hand on websites such as eBay and Vinted.
Homekind helps social housing tenants buy furniture and other essential items on affordable credit working with local credit unions. There are also many local organisations that sell refurbished and reusable furniture as well as electrical goods at discounted prices. To find you nearest furniture reuse store visit the furniture reuse network website.
Depending on your circumstances you may be eligible for a grant from a charitable organisation to support you. These could range from supporting you to buy household goods, deal with bereavement and funeral costs, buy essential items for children, cope with an unexpected bill or financial crisis and many other situations.
A grant is money that you do not have to pay back. You can use this tool Apply for Grants | Turn2us to check if there are any grants available to help you.
Watmos has partnered with Pocket Power www.pocket-power.co.uk, a social enterprise who can help you save money on food, bills and household items. Contact us to see how we can help you to save money on your bills through Pocket Power and put more money back into your pocket.