Increase household income – more money in your pocket
Saving money and increasing your household income is a great way to help manage your energy bills. There are schemes that offer extra financial help with winter bills, and there are other ways to save money at home. Below are some quick wins that you can apply for, and further information on the support available if you find yourself in need of some extra financial support.
Get help to keep warm
If you receive benefits or are on a lower income you may qualify for cold weather benefits, other grants and the additional help offered by the energy and water suppliers.
Cold weather benefits
There are 3 main cold weather benefits you can apply for:
1. Warm Home Discount
The scheme helps low income households with their energy costs. Participating energy suppliers provide a one-off discount of £150 on your electricity bill between September and March.
If you’re eligible, you should get the discount without needing to apply.
To qualify, you must either:
- get the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit
- have a low income and high energy costs
The Warm Home Discount Scheme reopens October 2024. For more information, 
visit the UK Government website.
If you live in a park home and pay your electricity through your park site owner, or as part of your pitch fees, you can apply for the Park Home warm home discount by contacting Charis Grants (03303 80 10 40).
2. Winter Fuel Payment
The Winter Fuel Allowance has changed from 2024. If you were born on or before 22 September 1958 and receive certain benefits, you may also be entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2024 to 2025. This payment will be worth £200 if you were born on or before 22 September 1958, or £300 if you were born before 23 September 1944.
In order to receive this Payment, you must also get one of the following:
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
An estimated 880,000 people who could get Pension Credit are not currently receiving it. If you think you might be eligible for Pension Credit but are not currently receiving it, you can check if you are eligible by checking online or contacting Age UK WSBH Information and Advice line to check your eligability:
- Phone: 08000 191310
More information can be found at the Gov.uk website.
3. Cold weather payment
Are made when the temperature where you live is an average of 0°C or below over seven consecutive days. It is based on the benefits you receive and will also be paid automatically.
Water Bills
Across West Sussex fresh water and waste water is manged by a range of Water Suppliers. All these suppliers have schemes to help low income households, those who may be struggling to pay for their water bills and households receiving certain benefits. You can save money if you are eligible for their scheme. To check click on the name of your supplier(s).
- Southern Water – Essential Tariff
- Portsmouth Water – Helping Hand Tariff
- South East Water – Social Tariff
- Thames Valley Water – Water Sure and Water Help
Benefit Check
Checking to see if you are entitlement to some extra financial help is a great way you might be able to increase your household income. Life is full of changes, so it is always worth checking. You can contact your local Citizens Advice or the West Sussex Age UK Helpline. Alternatively, Money Saving Expert has a 10 minute Benefit Check Calculator
Grant support
If you are looking for support grants to boost your income, or help in a crisis Money Saving Expert has a fantastic Grant Grabbing guide
Helen’s story: Go for a grant
Contact a home energy advisor
If you are worried about your bills or keeping warm in the winter, please contact an advisor.
