Looking after your health and money this winter
As we get older, it can be harder to stay healthy in winter. Find out what the causes, and what we can do to keep well.
How to manage and save money this winter
Winter is often an expensive time of year. If you're worrying more about money, you might be entitled to a bit of extra financial support, and a few simple changes could help save you money this winter.
Check you're getting all the help you're entitled to
Now's a good time to check your finances and make sure you're receiving the benefits you’re entitled to. There are a number of financial help schemes that can help with your energy bills this winter.
Winter Fuel Payment
This is an annual tax-free payment to help with heating costs. From 2024 onwards, you need to be receiving Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance to be eligible for it.
Cold Weather Payment
If it's very cold where you live (at or below 0 degrees) for a period of time, and you're receiving certain benefits, you may be eligible to receive £25 a week for each 7-day period of cold weather.
Warm Home Discount
This is a discount on your electricity bill. You may be able to get it if you get Pension Credit or are on a low income.
Cost of Living payments
These are one-off payments for households on means-tested benefits, such as Pension Credit and Universal Credit.
Budgeting Loans
If you're receiving Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance, you may be able to get a Budgeting Loan to help with unexpected expenses. If you’re receiving Universal Credit you may be able to get other financial support.
Are you entitled to extra money?
Do you know what benefits you're entitled to? Our online benefits calculator can help you quickly and easily find out what you could be claiming.
Get a home energy check
Some local Age UKs offer home energy checks through the Warm Homes programme. They'll send a trusted handyperson to your home, who'll make sure that your home is energy efficient. If necessary, they'll also provide some free equipment to help you save money on your bills.
Get your home ready for winter
It's cheaper and easier to heat your home if it's well-insulated and your heating works properly. Here are a couple of things you could do to get your home ready for winter:
- Have your heating system serviced each year and check that it's working before the cold weather starts. If you rent your home, your landlord should check your gas heating system and appliances for safety at least once a year.
- Draught-proof doors and windows, insulate the loft, the hot-water tank and pipes, and consider getting cavity-wall insulation.
The government is investing £12 billion in Help to Heat schemes to make sure homes are warmer and cheaper to heat.
Find out if your property is eligible for Help to Heat schemes on GOV.UK
Find your local council
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Keep your home warm and save money on energy bills
There's lots you can do around the home to save energy, keep the heat in and spend less on your bills.
Heat the rooms you use most to a comfortable temperature
It's more efficient to stick with a constant temperature and tweak it when you need to rather than turning the heating off and on again. For many people, usually around 18°C (64°F) is ideal. If there are rooms you don't use, like a spare bedroom, turn off the radiators in them and close the doors. Get to know your heating controls, such as thermostats and timers, so that you can heat your home without wasting energy.
Don't let heat escape through windows and doors
It's a good idea to draw your curtains in the evenings to reduce heat loss through windows, and tuck long curtains behind radiators so that heat isn't trapped. And make sure warm air can circulate by keeping radiators and heaters clear – don't put furniture in front of them or dry washing on them.
Use energy-saving lightbulbs and energy efficient appliances
When buying new appliances, choose energy-efficient ones. Many new appliances come with an energy rating – choose the best energy rating you can. You might also want to invest in some energy-saving or LED lightbulbs, because these use less energy than traditional bulbs.
Turn off lights and appliances when you're not using them
Switch off appliances when they're not in use, rather than leaving them on standby. This saves energy, which can save you money on your energy bills.
But don't turn off your fridge or freezer because this could mean your food goes off sooner than it would otherwise.
Help with home repairs
Fixing a broken window, door or roof can make your home more comfortable and cheaper to heat.
In rented housing, your landlord is responsible for certain repairs, including structural repairs. If you own your home, you may be able to get help from your local council or a Home Improvement Agency.
Your local Age UK may also offer handyperson services to help you with repairs around the house.
We're here to help
We offer support through our free advice line on 0800 678 1602. Lines are open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year. We also have specialist advisers at over 120 local Age UKs.