Below are some of the schemes available if you or someone you know is struggling with the cost of living. Further information about local assistance is also available, follow the links below for your community area:
- Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole – also Warm Welcomes in Dorset
- Dorset – also Warm Welcomes in Dorset
- Swindon
- Wiltshire
LEAP (Local Energy Advice Partnership)
LEAP (Local Energy Advice Partnership) is a FREE home visit scheme to assist residents throughout Dorset and BCP with free energy advice, energy saving devices, along with access to other improvements like heating upgrades, insulation, free appliances and replacement boilers. Click here for more information.
Warm Home Discount Scheme
There are two ways to qualify for the Warm Home Discount Scheme – you get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, known as the ‘core group’, or you’re on a low income and meet your energy supplier’s criteria for the scheme, known as the ‘broader group’.
The scheme starts in November each year; and the level of discount for 2022 has been set at £150 off electricity. For more information, visit www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme
Cold Weather Payment
You may get a Cold Weather Payment if you already receive one of these benefits:
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Universal Credit
- Support for Mortgage Interest
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 seven consecutive days. You’ll get £25 for each seven day period of very cold weather between 1 November and 31 March. For more information, see www.gov.uk/cold-weather-payment
Winter Fuel Payments
If you were born on or before 25 September 1956, 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’ll get includes a ‘Pensioner Cost of Living Payment’. This is between £150 and £300. You’ll only get this extra amount in winter 2022 to 2023. This is in addition to any Cost of Living Payment you get with your benefit or tax credits. For more information, see www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment
Government Help for Households campaign
See the various cost of living support you may be eligible for: www.helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk
Other help available
- General from Citizens Advice: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/get-help-with-the-cost-of-living
- Various grants: www.grantsonline.org.uk/cost-of-living-grants.html
- National Energy Action: www.nea.org.uk/get-help
- Shelter: https://england.shelter.org.uk/get_help
- Charitable grants that may be available to people who don’t qualify for other support: https://grants-search.turn2us.org.uk/