Sources of other financial information and support
NestNest is a Welsh Government scheme designed to make private sector households warmer and healthier places to live. To be eligible for a Nest Whole House assessment, householders must own or privately rent their home, be in receipt of a means-tested benefit, and live in an energy inefficient property with an energy efficiency rating of F or G. As well as support in accessing energy efficiency improvements, Nest also provides callers with guidance on benefit entitlement, energy tariffs and money management through a range of expert partners. Nest is the Welsh Government’s New Fuel Poverty Scheme (NFPS) and British Gas is the delivery partner for the scheme. British Gas’ team of experts from across Wales will visit eligible properties to conduct a Whole House Assessment before suggesting, agreeing and installing a range of measures suitable for that home and its occupants. If you own or privately rent your property, are in receipt of a means tested benefit, and think your home could be F or G rated, please call freephone 0800 512 012 to make an application to Nest.
Warm Home Discount Scheme The Warm Home Discount scheme requires participating energy suppliers to give a rebate on their electricity bill to a specified group of their older customers on low incomes. The Government will inform suppliers which households to support through sharing limited data between the Department for Work and Pensions and the energy suppliers. Eligibility is linked specifically to the type of benefits received and for this winter, a rebate of £120 off electricity bills will be provided to older people where on the qualifying date of 11 September 2011: The electricity suppliers involved in this scheme are:
All energy suppliers have a duty to reduce carbon emissions by investing in energy efficiency measures in homes, such as insulation. You can take up grants and offers from any energy company, whether or not they supply your gas and electricity.
Most companies offer subsidies regardless or your income or age; and 100% grants are available for householders who are aged 70 and and over, are disabled or are on low incomes. Contact the Home Heat Helpline 0800 33 66 99 to speak to an advisor about the help energy companies are offering in your area, or visit the Home Heat Helpline where you can find the help available in your area by postcode. Energy providers have also partnered with Government to provide consumers directly with information on these intiatives. If you have a low income, your local council may be able to help you with home repairs and improvements, such as insulation. To find out whether you can apply for a grant, contact your local council. The Pension Service is part of the UK Government's Department of Work and Pensions. It has a network of centres to deal with queries and claims from people who are, or are about to be pensioners. You can also meet with an advisor by pre-arranged appointment at home if necessary, or at one of a number of Local Service Information points across Wales. To contact the service, call 0845 60 60 265 8am, Mon-Fri (textphone 0845 60 60 285). Welsh speaking customers living in Wales call 0845 60 60 275 (textphone 0845 60 60 295). Alternatively you can visit Pension Service. To find your local Age Cymru Partner for advice on benefits contact Age UK Advice on 0800 169 65 65 or visit the Age Cymru website.
Citizens Advice Bureau Your local bureau will be able to give you advice on benefits, heating, grants and debt. Look in your local phone book or visit Advice Guide or find your local bureau. Directgov Directgov is the official UK Government website for citizens. It has a section on money, tax and benefits, including a benefits advisor that can help you find out information on benefits and tax credits that you may be entitled to. Visit Direct Gov for more information. Grants and Loans If you are getting Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or Pension Credit, you may be eligible for a community care grant, budgeting loan or crisis loan. For confidential advice, call 0800 882 200 (textphone 0800 243 355) 8:30am-6:30pm, Mon-Fri and 9am-1pm Saturdays. Benefit Enquiry Line for Disabled People and Carers This confidential helpline provides advice on benefits for disabled people and carers. Call 0800 882 200 (textphone 0800 243 355). Lines are open 8:30am-6:30pm, Mon-Fri and 9am-1pm Saturdays. Dial UK Disabillity Information and Advice Line (DIAL) provides information and advice on all aspects of living with a disability. To find your nearest advice centre, call 01302 310 123 (textphone 01302 310 123) 10am-4pm, Mon-Thurs and 10am-3pm Fridays. Email informationenquiries@dialuk.org.uk or visit Dial UK.
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