Grants and benefits to help you pay your energy bills

I used to get tax credits when I was working but when I claimed my NHS pension at age 65 that took me above the threshold. Being on tax credits qualified me for the warm home discount so I lost that too. Now I’m retired I’m just above the levels for pretty much everything benefits wise, but look forward to the winter fuel payment - not forgetting the magnificent £10 Christmas bonus! That was a surprise last year when I got it for the first time.

We are with Scottish Power despite not being pensionable age we qualify on low income grounds for the warmer homes discount of £140. Our annual spend is more than 10% of our income, we are well under the £16k.
A few years back they also offered free white goods as well. We got a new washing machine and freezer.

At times I wonder just how those who do not qualify for any benefit and yet are only slightly above the rate survive, particularly elderly. In the cooker months we are told to stay warm, eat well and stay active. How are the extra costs supposedly to be met? There seems to be so many benefits eg DWP, energy cos, child allowance, child care costs, Scitkand awards £10 for every child under 6 going up to 18 eventually on top of all the usual allowances. Do older people exist in the UK?

Sirry, Scotland.

The 10 pound Christmas bonus ought to be scrapped. I used to work for the post office and when it was first introduced it was worth something and the pensioners who received it were very grateful. I should imagine it costs more than its worth now to administer it. Scrapping it would claw a lot of money back that could be used elsewhere.

I never realised we get letter in October I ve not had any letter about winter fuel payment

The letters are sent out over a period of time. Mine usually cones in early November but given that the DWP seems to be running late on many things, it may be later this year. ( Some people are still waiting for their state pensions to be paid).

The winter fuel allowance should NOT be means tested because those who have small private pensions will not qualify for it any more. If you don't need it do NOT return it but donate it to a charity or the food banks, as there are lots or destitute people these days.

Riggie me too (their not satisfied with having kept over 5 yrs of my pension) they want to make me hang on till next year for my fuel allowance as well..greedy **&%$$££!!! s

How do you actually speak to a person at British Gas? Anyone know the phone number,please?

www.britishgas.co.uk/contact-us.html

This is the British Gas number for energy-related matters: 0330 100 0056

I put the link in case you want to try 'Live Chat' instead. I haven't tried theirs, but with other energy companies, I have often found that a good way to communicate.

I have my energy supplied by Eon and last week applied for WHD because I receive Pension Credit Gaurentee,I received a payment of £140.00 credited to my account this morning which surprised me as other years it has been mid March when I have received the credit. glammanana Mon 01-Nov-21 10:58:21 (Posted on the "Welcome" board and copied here).

glammanana if you receive the Pension Credit Guarantee, you should receive this Warm Home Discount automatically. The DWP send a letter telling you this. I have a feeling it is only sent out in the first year you receive PCG or the first year you go back on it if you come off and then returned. Those letters seem to be going out now, so I imagine the suppliers have also been notified of those who should get this automatically.

If you get Pensions Savings Credit or have a low income and high fuel use, you will need to apply each year as you are not in the automatic "Core" group.

I wonder just how those who do not qualify for any benefit and yet are only slightly above the rate survive, particularly elderly. In the cooker months we are told to stay warm, eat well and stay active. How are the extra costs supposedly to be met? There seems to be so many benefits ... Do older people exist in the UK

If you are an older person who has been provident enough to pay into a modest occupational workplace pension you will get screwed left, right and center. You will find yourself just above the income level where you can claim any kind of benefit. Whereas if you had been improvident and not saved a penny the state will sub you out and also allow you free prescriptions, glasses, dental care and lots of other handouts.

biglouis

*I wonder just how those who do not qualify for any benefit and yet are only slightly above the rate survive, particularly elderly. In the cooker months we are told to stay warm, eat well and stay active. How are the extra costs supposedly to be met? There seems to be so many benefits ... Do older people exist in the UK*

If you are an older person who has been provident enough to pay into a modest occupational workplace pension you will get screwed left, right and center. You will find yourself just above the income level where you can claim any kind of benefit. Whereas if you had been improvident and not saved a penny the state will sub you out and also allow you free prescriptions, glasses, dental care and lots of other handouts.

Not everyone had the benefit of a workplace pension modest or otherwise
Not everyone has earned enough to have the extra funds to pay into a pension the low paid the caregivers ect

Exactly Biglouis we never qualify for anything. Next time around I’m spending all my money before I’m 65. Not going to save or buy a house.

4allweknow surely you dont grudge young families getting extra cash in these difficult times.The foodbank use has soared over the past two years and families who were just about managing are struggling now ,many have lost jobs because of companies closing .The Scottish government is right to help them if it means no wee ones need go hungry or be cold.The UK government should never have taken away the £20 "temporary" UC payment .It was a life saver for millions .
Have you checked if you are due any benefits you dont claim? Apparently there are millions lying unclaimed because folk dont know they can apply for them.Maybe check with Citizens advice and they'll see if theres anything you should be getting .