Frequently Asked Questions: Cost of Living

Contact your supplier as soon as possible. They are required to work with you to find an affordable solution. This may include setting up a payment plan. If you are offered a pre-payment meter, you do not have to agree to it. If you are offered a pre-payment meter, you do not have to agree to it. You can also contact the Cosy Homes Advice Team for support and guidance with this.

If you let your energy debts build up, there is a risk you will eventually be disconnected. However, many suppliers will fit a pre-payment meter as an alternative to disconnection. There are strict rules with regard to disconnection. You cannot be disconnected if you are of pensionable age and live alone, if someone of pensionable age or chronically sick or disabled is living with you, you have a debt relief order, your debt is owed to a previous supplier, or you have been made bankrupt. Contact the Cosy Homes Advice Team for further support with this.

The Priority Services Register is a service that means utility companies must offer special services to customers who are of state pension age, disabled, have a chronic illness or have a visual or hearing impairment. This includes priority during an emergency, including alternative heating and cooking facilities. Speak with your supplier to sign up.

United Utilities has many ways to help you save money on your water bills and to help with water debts. They will also provide a free pack of energy-saving gadgets to help you reduce your water usage. Call United Utilities to find out more, or visit the website.

Always make sure you are claiming the benefits that you are entitled to, as this may open up more ways of making financial savings. Many are not means-tested, and you may qualify if you have a long-term health condition or are caring for a loved one. Citizens Advice can help with free benefit advice.

Cosy Homes in Lancashire can help you with funding and grants to help improve the warmth and energy efficiency of your home. Additionally, the Cosy Homes Advice Team is a free advice line designed to help you with energy saving questions you might have. You can apply with Cosy Homes in Lancashire to check your eligibility for funding, or contact the Advice team.

You are eligible for the Warm Home Discount Scheme if you live in England and either get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit or are on a low income. You can visit the gov.uk website for more information, or call the Cosy Homes Advice Team for help.

This is an annual payment of between £100 and £300. If eligible, you are normally paid automatically between November and December. Read more about this on the gov.uk website.

If you are at State Pension age (born before 28 June 1960), you should be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment. If you’re eligible, you’ll receive a letter in October or November saying how much you’ll get - this will automatically be applied. Read more about this on the gov.uk website, or call the Cosy Homes Advice Team for help.