If you have any concerns about managing your money, please contact us. Our team are specially trained to offer expert money guidance and have helped hundreds of customers to manage their money well and deal with debt. You can get in contact with them by calling 0300 561 1111 or emailing contact@irwellvalley.co.uk.
Check with your energy supplier to see if you are eligible for the Warm Homes Discount Scheme. This is a one off £140 discount from the Government to help people living on a low income or pension over the winter months. You can get the discount if you have pre-pay or pay-as-you-go meters too and it does not affect your winter fuel payment or cold weather payment.
You may be eligible for Cold Weather Payments if you receive certain benefits. You will receive a payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded or forecast to be 0 degrees Celsius or below over 7 consecutive days. You could get £25 for each 7-day period of very cold weather between 1st November and 31st March. Check if your eligible and find out how to claim here.
If you were born on or before 26th September 1955 you could get between £100 and £300 to help you pay your heating bills during the winter months through the Winter Fuel Payment. If you are eligible, payments should be made automatically. If you do not receive your payment, call 0800 731 0160. Find out more here.
If you are worried about paying your energy bills, contact your supplier as soon as you can. They may be able to provide financial support and will work with you to agree a suitable payment plan based on what you can afford, you can also ask for a review of your payments, payment breaks or reductions, more time to pay and access to hardship funds.
No matter which energy supplier you are with, if you are struggling with your bills British Gas Energy Trust can help. They provide grants and benefits through funding for debt relief and energy fuel support. Access their support here.