Steps to Keeping Warmer this Winter

Fuel bills can be a worry for many older people. If you are struggling to pay your bills, make sure that you are claiming all the benefits you are entitled to.

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Claiming means-tested benefits

If your weekly income is low, you may be entitled to Pension Credit - extra money to take your income up to a higher level. If you receive Pension Credit you may also get help with Council Tax, dental treatment and the cost of glasses. It is well worth asking.

For help with personal care you may be able to claim other benefits such as Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance.

If you are receiving benefits and you are in debt for fuel, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) can pay some of your benefit directly to the fuel company. The scheme is called Fuel Direct; ask at your local benefits office about it. Your benefits office can also advise you on Community Care Grants and Budgeting Loans.

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Claiming non-means-tested benefits

Winter Fuel Payment
The Government makes an annual Winter Fuel Payment to people aged 60 and over to help towards fuel bills. To qualify this year you must be aged 60 or over on or before 27 September 2009. You don't have to be getting any particular benefit to get a payment.

Action point: For more information on managing your bills. If you receive a fuel bill you can't pay, tell your gas or electricity company at once. The address and phone number will be on the bill. If you tell the company you are having problems, it should be able to help you. For example, you could arrange to pay in instalments. Never just ignore the bill, otherwise your gas or electricity supply could be cut off.

However, electricity and gas suppliers are not allowed to disconnect households that consist only of people aged over 60 between 1 October and 31 March. And your supplier should not disconnect you at any time if you agree to have a pre-payment meter installed. When you contact the electricity or Gas Company, mention that you are an older person as this will make a difference.

If you are a British Gas customer, call free on 0800 0480202 for more information about the British Gas services you may be entitled to.

Action point: For more information Ways of paying for heat Rather than receiving a quarterly bill, you could ask your electricity or gas company about some of the following options - but note that not all companies offer all these ways to pay. You should find the number on your gas or electricity bill or in the local phone book.

With a budget scheme or payment plan you can spread payments evenly throughout the year. Usually you arrange for a set amount of money to be paid to the Fuel Company weekly, fortnightly, or monthly from your bank account by direct debit or standing order. If your income varies over the year and you can't pay a set amount towards your bill regularly, you may want to put some money towards your next bill whenever you are able to do so. This is often called a flexible payments scheme.

Payments can usually be made at a bank or post office, or by post. You can also use a PayPoint card to put money towards your bill. You can add money to the card at a PayPoint terminal. These are found in many newsagents, supermarkets and garages.

A pre-payment meter is operated by tokens, cards or special keys that have to be charged up. By 'paying as you go' you will not have the shock of an unexpectedly large bill at the end of the quarter. However, it can be more expensive to pay for gas or electricity in this way. Also, you may not find it convenient to have to buy cards or charge up your key.