Tips from Steph on the cost of living
Energy prices have been rising dramatically since last year. The price cap rose from £1,277 to £1,977 and was due to rise to £3,549 in October, with a projected hike to £5,400 in January 2023.
The government recently introduced a freeze on energy costs from 1st October. This was promised for two years but a recent u-turn has meant it will only be in place until April 2023.
So what support is available to help you with the cost of fuel this winter?
Energy Bill Discount
£400 will be applied automatically to all households’ energy bills fromOctober 2022 to March 2023 and paid in instalments of approximately £66 over 6 months. This will reduce the amount of fuel the average household pays to £2,100 per year.
Cost of Living Payments
There is an additional cash amount of £650 to be paid to means tested benefit claimants. The first instalment was paid back in July and the second instalment is expected to be paid in November.
Disability benefit claimants
Further cash support of £150 was paid to disability benefit claimants in October as it is likely their energy costs are higher than the average household due to health equipment or conditions that require the use of more energy.
Pensioners
Pensioners will also receive £300 cash along with the Winter Fuel payment.
Energy Vouchers
The Housing Associations’ Charitable Trust (HACT) issue vouchers a few times per year enabling tenants on pre-payment meters to claim up to three vouchers of £49 per year to help pay for fuel.
The Welsh Government will also be issuing fuel vouchers to the value of £49 from October 2022 to help with the rising energy costs.
The Winter Fuel Support Scheme
The Winter Support scheme 2022-2023 can now be applied for on the Neath Port Talbot Council website. You can claim a one-off £200 payment if you are a household claiming benefits.
If you are unable to apply for this online please call 01639 686188 and someone at the local authority will
assist you.
Over the next few months, we will be sharing helpful advice on the cost of living crisis on our social media channels so please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or TikTok, just search Tai Tarian.
