Worried about the rising cost of heating oil?
If you rely on heating oil to keep your home warm, you may be worried about rising costs, and we understand this can put extra pressure on your household budget, especially when you are already trying to manage rent, bills, and other everyday expenses.
Support may be available if you are finding things difficult. Our Help for households page is a good starting point if you want to understand what help may be available to you, and it brings together information about money worries, household costs, and other practical support in one place.
From 1 April, the Government’s new Crisis and Resilience Fund will replace the Household Support Fund. This includes support for some low-income households in England who rely on heating oil and other domestic fuels. Your local council will decide who can get help and how support will be provided, so the help available may vary depending on where you live. It is worth checking your local council’s website for updates and the information on our own support pages.
If you are struggling with rent or bills, we would encourage you to get in touch. Our teams can discuss your situation and explore the support and options available to you.
Extra support through our Wellbeing Fund
Our Wellbeing Fund is open to all Platform customers who are experiencing financial hardship and in need of short-term support. This support may be available if you are on a low income, receiving means-tested benefits, or struggling to afford an essential and urgent need.
The fund is available to help you with essential food and energy costs, and depending on your circumstances, support is available for electrical kitchen appliances, furniture, health and wellbeing, digital inclusion, or employment and training.
This support is not only about immediate bills, but also some of the everyday items that can make a real difference when money is tight.
Find out more and apply for our Wellbeing Fund.
Free career coaching through Stay Nimble
For Platform customers, we also offer free career coaching through Stay Nimble. This support is there for any Platform customers who want help getting back into work, changing jobs, or taking the next step, but are unsure where to start.
Customers can speak to a qualified coach, build confidence, and get practical support to help them move forward. This could be especially useful if you have been out of work for a while, want to explore new options, or need support in planning your next step.
Read more about how Stay Nimble career coaching can support you.