General Chat

I am wondering if anyone on the boards has managed to get this help.
I don't want to offend anyone by asking but I am not really finding much in the way of information regarding this subject.

I have had 2 deliveries of oil since March, the first delivery cost me approx £900 for approx 1/2 a tank, the latest delivery was on Monday & though the price has come down a bit I am still looking at a bill of £600 + for 1/2 a tank.

What I need to know is how does one claim the Govt help ? I am not on benefits other than the LOWER rate of Attendance Allowance
I am 80 this year with health issues & in receipt of the State pension & a small private pension via my late husband.

Not sure if I qualify for the help & have googled but as far as I can see there doesn't seem to be much information about who can & can't get help with this, for instance, do I pay the bill & THEN claim help or is it the other way round ?
Knowing my luck i won't get help !!

Thanks in advance for any help.

Joan.

Joan, the DWP give £300 towards heating every winter which i assume you received?

I've not heard of any other "help" towards paying ones oil bill.

As it has been warmer now, have you not turned downed your thermostat or radiators off to save oil at this time of year?

You could contact Citizens Advice Bureau as im sure you're not the only one in this position although they will ask you some personal financial questions like how much income you receive in total for the month.

Sorry i can't be more helpful as im all electric.

Florence in the hebrides

England and Scotland schemes are run differently. Google says in Scotland you can apply directly for a grant on the Advice Direct Scotland website. They do give discretionary grants to people on a low income with high heating costs. There is a phone number 0800 048 7413 but they say it’s quicker to do it online. They usually pay any grant direct to the fuel supplier so it’s worth applying quickly. Good luck.

Hi Florence, No never had any paymets of £300, not even when hubby was here & serioulsly ill.

The help I am talking about is help that is being offered to households who are off the grid regarding mains gas, & have to use heating oil !
The payment help is happening because of the massive increase in the oil price since the Iran war started.

I don't know if I qualify & don't know how to claim either.
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re my own heating, I have turned the thermostat down BUT I have to keep the hetaing on & ticking over otherwise it loses pressure..
The boiler is an exterior one & quite old & tempremental (sp)

Thankyou SuffolkVera for your reply, I will try that.

Joan.

If you are over 80 and receive pension Credit, you automatically receive it during the winter months.

Hi again Florence, apologies re the £300 that you spoke about.
I now realise what you were saying yes of course I do get that payment, sorry I thought you meant something completely different !

The one I was asking about is completely different.

Joan.

Yes the number Vera gave you is the one. The fund opened in April and stops in Sep or when the fund runs out. So I would give them a ring asap and hopefully you will be successful.

OH, I'm confused now.
I get the winter payment which has been on the go for some time, used to be split between hubby & myself but now I get the whole amount

I do NOT get Pension credit so I DON'T get £300 via that benefit !!
I am not 80 until December.

I am hoping I qualify for help with my OIL bills,which is new !

Joan.