Support during Winter 2024
Winter Fuel Payments
Born before 25 September 1957? You could get between £250 and £600 to help you pay your heating bills. You’ll be sent a letter in October or November telling you how much you’ll get if you’re eligible.
Cost of Living Payments
You are eligible for the following payment if you are in receipt of an income-based benefit, such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, Income-based Jobseekers Allowance or Income-based Employment and Support Allowance.
- £299 during Spring 2024 (dates to be confirmed)
The payment will be made automatically.
Warm Home Discount
If you are eligible, you could get £150 off your electricity bill for winter 2023 to 2024 under the Warm Home Discount Scheme. The money is not paid to you – it’s a one-off discount applied to your electricity bill between October 2023 and 31 March 2024.
Cold Weather Payment
If you are in receipt of an income-based benefit you can get a payment of £25 each time when the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees Celsius or below over 7 consecutive days between 1 November and 31 March.
Don’t claim Universal Credit or Pension Credit? You could be missing out on those extra winter payments.
Be sure you check your entitlement to Universal Credit or Pension Credit; so you and your loved ones can stay warm and well this winter.
Energy Bills
Struggling with your energy bills? Citizens Advice Manchester have recently launched a new energy team, with a direct number on 0808 164 4406. They can help in lots of different ways, including basic energy advice, energy debt or struggling with bills.
Cheaper Broadband
Social tariffs are cheaper broadband and phone packages for people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits. Some providers call them ‘essential’ or ‘basic’ broadband.
They’re delivered in the same way as normal packages, just at a lower price. Amid rising living costs, Ofcom is encouraging companies to offer social tariffs to help customers on low incomes. Contact your provider for more details.
Some useful tips on saving money on Broadband
Free SIMs with Internet Access
Manchester resident? On a low income, receiving benefits and struggling to get on online? Get a free SIM with 6 months worth of data from Manchester City Council. Just pop into your local library and ask.
Debt Support
As of November 2023, Citizens Advice is helping four people every minute with a debt issue. On average, mortgage holders are about £100 short each month. Find out more on how they can support you.
Need help with school costs?
Gaddum administers the Mynshull’s Educational Foundation, a trust fund that provides grants to young people in Manchester to support them in accessing education. It can provide textbooks and laptops, school uniforms, support to pay for trips and more.
Local Support
Manchester City Council’s Helping Hands Telephone Helpline 0800 023 2692 is open 9am – 4:30pm Monday to Friday. People can access telephone support on:
Support with benefits and help with your rent
Advice about debt and paying bills
Food support
Support getting online
Salford’s Household Support Fund is now open for applications until 31 March 2024.
Warm Salford is their campaign to help you stay warm and well to protect your health and get the help you need with energy costs.
From grants and tips to make your home more energy efficient to advice on your bills and links to our cost-of-living help pages – Warm Salford is here to help.