Financial Help This Winter.
Financial help this winter. After a disaster of a Summer are you wondering what Winter 2023 has in store for us in the UK?
If it’s as cold as last Winter many people will continue to struggle to heat their homes. This is a guide to financial help this Winter. What is available and who is eligible? Please make sure you are claiming what is due to you. Billions of pounds worth of State help goes unclaimed every year.
Winter Fuel Payment.
If you were born before 25 September 1957 you could get between £250 and £600 to help you pay your heating bills. This is known as a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’.
The amount you receive includes a ‘Pensioner Cost of Living Payment’. This is between £150 and £300. You’ll get this extra amount in winter 2023 to 2024. This is in addition to any other you might get with your benefit or tax credits.
Most people get the Winter Fuel Payment automatically. You’ll receive a letter in October or November to let you know how much you will get.
If you don’t receive a letter but think you are eligible for financial help this Winter you will need to check if you need to make a claim. Most people will receive their payment in November or December.
Other help with heating bills
You could also get:
A Cold Weather Payment
You’ll get a payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees Celsius or below over 7 consecutive days.
You’ll get £25 for each 7-day period of very cold weather between 1 November and 31 March.
The 2023 to 2024 scheme will start on 1 November 2023. You’ll be able to check if your area is due a payment in November 2023.
Warm Home Discount
You could get £150 off your electricity bill for winter 2022 to 2023 under the Warm Home Discount Scheme.
The money is not paid to you – it’s a one-off discount on your electricity bill, between October 2022 and March 2023.
You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity and you’re eligible. Contact your supplier to find out.
Household Support Fund
- Help from the Household Support Fund, if you’re eligible under your local council’s rules – check on your local council’s website
