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 to your home 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. Make sure you're registered to get it – once you are, you'll receive it every year without having to do anything. 

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.

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.

Find out more about the Warm Homes programme

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

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.

Think about your 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.

Find out more about how you can save energy and money

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.

Find out more about handyperson services in your local area