Cold homes waste energy, waste money and can harm the health of their occupants. To help you improve your finances, maintain your home and avoid health issues, there are a number of schemes and advice services available:
Cost of Living Support
The Government’s Cost of Living Hub (external link) pulls together a range of available support including:
- Income and disability benefits
- Bills and allowances
- Childcare
- Housing
- Travel.
An eligibility tool (external link) is included, so you can quickly check what benefits and financial support you may be entitled to.
Energy Saving Tips
Here for You
Our Here for You pages are here to help, signposting you to services, organisations and resources that can support with things like working out your eligibility to benefits, borrowing wisely, keeping warm and keeping well.
Access welfare support
Funded by the UK government, the Crisis and Resilience Fund is in place to support low-income households who encounter a financial shock (such as a sudden expense or drop in income) and to prevent individuals from entering crisis (through providing timely support).
The funding period runs until end-March 2029, with short term/occasional support available for residents in relation to high housing costs and essential amenities such as food, energy and furniture.
To find out more and apply, visit Crisis and Resilience Fund.
Support maintaining your home
The Handyperson Service (external link) provided by Age UK Wigan Borough can help with small jobs around your home (at a competitive price), from fitting key safes and grab rails to fitting light bulbs.
Are you struggling to find a local contractor to carry out more extensive repairs in your home? Access the Council’s Good Trader Scheme (external link) for a list of reliable, reputable traders you can trust.
Affordable Warmth Team
The Council’s Affordable Warmth Team work with local fuel-poor households, providing advice and access to available energy and heating upgrades for those who need it most.
Visit our Affordable Warmth Team page for full details of the service, our eligibility criteria, and how to apply for assistance.
Partner schemes to help you reduce your fuel bill
Schemes
| Fuel Priority Register |
All energy suppliers are obligated to keep a Fuel Priority Register for elderly or disabled customers. You can contact your supplier and ask to be put on this register. Free services include:
Free annual gas safety checks
Bills in different formats e.g. large print and Braille
Quarterly meter reading services
Priority in an emergency.
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| Winter Fuel Payment |
If you were born before 22nd September 1959 you could get between £100 and £300 to help you pay your heating bills.
For more information please visit Winter Fuel Payment (external link).
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| Cold Weather Payment |
If you receive certain benefits or Support for Mortgage Interest, the Cold Weather Payment may help you.
Payments are made when your local temperature is recorded as, or forecast to be, an average of 0°C or below over seven consecutive days.
For more information please visit Cold Weather Payment (external link).
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