Worried about the rising cost of living?
Published on 24 March 2022 07:43 PM
We are very aware of the concerns people may be having due to the increase in cost of living. These rises can affect people in many different ways and so our Help Team are able to provide support tailored to your individual needs. Whether you’re looking for some simple tips on how to save energy within the home or would like some assistance in dealing with money worries, our Help Team can help you address your concerns. They are accessible on Monday to Friday from 10am-3pm by calling 01452 422660 and pressing option one.
Help Team Assistance
We can help to check you are receiving the financial help you are entitled to.
Benefit Checks - We can assess whether you are entitled to financial support. By calling our team you can arrange a phone appointment to discuss this further or organise for our help pack to be sent out to you.
Attendance Allowance - This helps pay for your personal care if you've reached State Pension age and need extra help at home due to an illness or disability. If you would like to check your eligibility to apply, please get in touch.
If you are eligible to make a claim, we have several options for support with completing the Attendance Allowance form.
Accessing Grants - We can provide information on which grants are available to you. We can refer you to Warm and Well. This service can give you energy efficiency advice and administer grant funding to householders within Gloucestershire, on behalf of the local authorities.
Accessing Energy Debt Support - We can support you through this process and explain the steps required.
Some Energy Saving Tips
Here are some simple ways you can cut down your energy bills.
Rethink your lighting – As lighting is accountable for such a high proportion of your bills, replacing your traditional bulbs with either LED or energy saving bulbs can help reduce costs. Trying to remember to turn off lights which aren’t needed for safety can prevent wasting energy also.
Avoiding Standby – Appliances being switched off rather than left on standby can prevent energy waste while they are not in use. Ensuring any new appliances have good energy ratings can also help with this.
Securing Your Home – Draft proofing windows and doors can help avoid heat loss, sealing any gaps with draught-proofing strips and draught excluders. Double glazed windows and additional insulation can also reduce the amount of heat lost and therefore reduce the amount required to heat the room and maintain its temperature.
Monitor Usage – Smart meters can help you track your usage and see which areas you are spending more money within. This can be useful when trying to work out the best approach to reducing your costs.
Warm Home Discount
Whilst this years’ scheme has come to an end, preparations for next winter can soon be made.
For those entitled, the Warm Home Discount currently secures a £140 discount off electricity bills between September and March. If you are concerned about rising costs, this entitlement may be able to reduce your outgoings through winter 2022/2023. Information will begin to circulate around autumn 2022 ready for the winter ahead, it is best to enquire as early as possible as the number of discounts given is limited.
A list of the suppliers who are part of the scheme can be found here
There are two categories for entitlement, with corresponding steps for the application process.
- The Core Group
Your energy supplier is part of the scheme
You or your partner’s name is on your bill
You claim the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit
To claim you should receive a letter giving you instructions on how to confirm your details.
If you do not receive this you should request these instructions by either calling the Warm Home Discount Team on 0800 731 0214 or writing to them at Warm Home Discount Team, Blue Zone, Ground Floor Phase 1, Peel Park, Brunel Way, Blackpool, FY4 5ES
- The Broader Group
Your energy supplier is part of the scheme
You are on low income
You get certain means-tested benefits
To claim you can contact your energy supplier to see if you are eligible and follow the required steps. Check with your supplier as early as possible, the number of discounts a supplier can give is limited.
If you are unsure about your entitlement you can contact Age UK Gloucestershire for a free Benefits Check. Contact the Help Team on 01452 422660 and press option 1.