Cost of Living
Check out our short energy update videos where Platform colleagues provide helpful updates about the situation with our energy bills.
Cost of Living
With the amount that energy companies can charge (price cap) going up and other global factors at play, the cost of living in the UK is rising. There are further price cap increases set for October too. This means that if you are on a standard variable tariff with your energy supplier, you will have to pay more money.
At Platform we understand that this is a worrying time. We have set out some information below to help you find the right advice and financial support. There are links that will take you to other website with information. If you’d prefer to talk to a real person, you can fill out this form or call 0333 200 7304 and ask for the Successful Tenancies Team.
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Payment |
Date to be paid |
Eligibility |
More information |
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Cost of Living Payment, totalling £650, for those on low income means- tested benefits |
First payment of £326 will be paid from July 14 with a second payment of £324 to be paid in the Autumn – totalling £650 |
People on an eligible benefit in payment on each qualifying date. These benefits are:
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Cost of Living Payment, totalling £650, for those on Tax Credits only |
First payment of £326 will be paid from Autumn 2022 with a second payment of £324 to be paid Winter 2022 – totalling £650 |
For eligible households receiving tax credits on each qualifying date. It is possible for customers to be entitled to both tax credits and other eligible benefits. So HMRC will make payments to eligible customers receiving tax credits only, shortly after DWP paying to all those on other benefits, to avoid duplicate payments. |
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One-off disability payment of £150 |
September 2022 |
People on an eligible disability benefit in payment on any day between April 26 and May 25 2022 will receive a one-off payment of £150 in September. Click the link to see who is eligible. |
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One-off £300 increase to Winter Fuel Payment |
As part of Winter Fuel Payment from mid-November |
This one-off increase go to more than 8 million pensioner households across the UK who receive the Winter Fuel Payment and will be paid on top of any other one-off support an eligible pensioner household is entitled to. |
Rising fuel bills
The government has announced that all households in England, Scotland and Wales will receive £400 to help with rising fuel bills this autumn.
The money will be paid in six instalments.
Households will see a discount of £66 applied to their energy bills in October and November, and £67 a month from December to March 2023. This money is set to be paid in the following ways:
Financial support
If you are struggling you may be eligible for help through schemes like the Warm Home Discount, Winter Fuel Payments, Cold Weather Payments and local authority schemes like the Household Support Fund. The Government have also pledged more money to support households through this crisis. Citizen’s Advice have produced some helpful information around what is available (subject to eligibility).
If you’re worried, talk to your energy supplier. They will be able to tell you about schemes and grants that may help.
As a Platform customer, you may be able to get help from Platform Wellbeing Fund. The fund supports customers with essential items like food, household items and utility (gas, electric & water) costs.
Charis Grants manage schemes on behalf of companies - check out their details to see what is currently open and what is coming soon!
20 million households in England will be given a £150 council tax rebate this year. Your local council will have more information about how this will be paid and what help there may be if you don't qualify.
Advice
If you need help working out what you may be entitled to contact our Advisers in the Successful Tenancies Team here at Platform.
If you're worried and need to talk to someone about your gas/electricity bills, National Energy Action (NEA) offer an advice line. Click here for more information and the number to call.
If you live in Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Birmingham, Coventry or Solihull then Act on Energy can offer essential advice.
By making small, practical changes around the home, you can save money on energy bills. Click here for top tips for energy saving around the home from Money Saving Expert.
Catch our latest energy update video
You can view our latest energy update video below: