Useful Tips for keeping warm and well (2010)

If you can’t heat all of the rooms you use, heat the living room throughout the day and your bedroom just before you go to bed. Remember to close curtains and shut doors to keep heat in the rooms you use most.

Heating your home safely is really important. Remember to get your heating system checked regularly, and keep your home well ventilated.

If you have open fires make sure the room is properly ventilated. Use safety guards and don’t hang your washing near the open flames. If you use a fire or heater in your bedroom at night, always keep a window and door open.

Use your electric blanket as instructed and get it tested every three years. Remember never to use an electric blanket and a hot water bottle together.

For more information on energy efficiency, call 0800 316 2805 or visit www.warmfront.co.uk/energy-efficiency-advice.htm
 

Financial help to heat your home

If you are struggling financially to keep your home warm, you could get a grant to make your home more energy efficient, or repair or install a new heating system. If you don’t qualify for some benefits, you may qualify for others. And even if you’ve been turned down for benefits in the past, you may find that you now qualify for some means of support.

Cold Weather Payment

Cold Weather Payments are made during periods of very cold weather to help people pay for extra heating costs. The average temperature where you live must be recorded as, or expected to be, 0º C or below for 7 days in a row. Call 0845 606 0265
 

Winter Fuel Payment

This is a tax-free benefit to help pay for heating during winter. To find out more call 08459 15 15 15 or visit www.direct.gov.uk
 

Warm Front Scheme

Warm Front provides grants for people on income or disability-related benefits to fit insulation and heating improvements in their home. Call 0800 316 2815 or visit www.warmfront.co.uk

Heating Rebate Scheme

If you do not qualify for a Warm Front grant because you do not receive the relevant benefit but you are over 60, you may be able to claim up to £300 to pay for installing or repairing a heating system. To find out more call 0800 316 6012.
 

Financial Support

If you are struggling to pay your energy bills, there are plenty of sources to help. Remember to call your energy supplier, as they may be able to offer you a special tariff or payment plan to help you stay on top of your bills. Call the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99 or visit www.homeheathelpline.org.uk 

Benefit Entitlement Checks

To find out more about Benefit Entitlement Checks call 01708 796600.

HM Government Information