Support during Winter 2024/25
Winter Fuel Payments
Winter Fuel Payments are now means-tested.
You can get a Winter Fuel Payment of £200-£300 for Winter 2024 to 2025 if you were born before 23 September 1958.
You must also live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland and get one of the following:
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
You’ll also need to have been getting a benefit during the qualifying week of 16 to 22 September 2024.
You can learn more and check your eligibility here.
Pension Credit
Are you one of thousands of people across Manchester missing out on Pension Credit?
It’s not just Pension Credit you could be missing out on. You may be missing out on the other benefits you could get if you receive it, too. For example, you could get the Winter Fuel Payment if you are receiving Pension Credit.
To see if you qualify for Pension Credit:
- visit the Independent Age website; or
- call them for a FREE benefits check on 0800 319 6789.
Before calling, you’ll need:
- your National Insurance number
- information about your income, including your pensions
- details of your savings and investments
- your bank account details.
Manchester City Council Cost of Living Advice Line
The free advice line number is 0800 023 2692. This line is open Monday to Friday 9am to 4.30pm and offers support to Manchester residents with:
- Benefits and help with your rent
- Advice about debt and paying bills
- Food support – help to find community food provision near you
- Checking your eligibility for Pension Credit and Winter Fuel Payments or if you’re not eligible for this benefit, what other support may be available through the Council’s existing welfare provision for pensioners, including new hardship fund payments
Manchester Household Support Fund
The Household Support Fund provides crisis support to households most in need. It offers financial help to vulnerable households that may be more severely affected by the cost-of-living crisis. The scheme is funded by the UK Government.
This fund will be available between 1 October 2024 and 31 March 2025.
Learn more and check your eligibility here.
Salford’s Household Support Fund
Round six of the Household Support Fund launched in October 2024 and will run to Monday 31 March 2025. Round six of the scheme focuses on helping Salford residents with food, fuel and energy due to the cost of living crisis.
Warm Home Discount
The Warm Home Discount Scheme is a one-off £150 discount off your electricity bill.
If you’re eligible, your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill. The money is not paid to you.
If you live in England and Wales, you qualify if you either:
- get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit
- are on a low income and have high energy costs
Cold Weather Payment
You may get Cold Weather Payments if you’re getting certain benefits or Support for Mortgage Interest.
If you’re eligible, you’ll get a payment automatically if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees celsius or below over 7 consecutive days.
You’ll get £25 for each 7 day period of very cold weather between 1 November 2024 and 31 March 2025.
Learn more and check your eligibility here.
Energy Bills
Struggling with your energy bills? Citizens Advice Manchester have recently launched a new energy team.
You can call them on 0808 164 4406 or send a WhatsApp message on 07360 546 111.
OneManchester free social events
This winter, One Manchester is teaming up with a number of local organisations to offer you these free winter social events at their Neighbourhood Hubs, and an opportunity to get support from their teams. The social events including craft sessions, bingo, and music making.
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.
Salford CVS Winter Warmers
Salford CVS have made a virtual noticeboard packed with events and support sessions happening across Salford this winter.
Manchester Local Care Organisation neighbourhood guides
MLCO are publishing neighbourhood guides with information about local events where you can keep warm, socialise, and access support.
Salford Assist
Life can sometimes throw the unexpected at you. Salford Assist is a Salford City Council scheme that can offer short term support to people who are in a crisis, emergency or major disaster situation. These situations can mean that you are unable to meet the basic needs of yourself or your family.
Salford Assist doesn’t offer cash payments, but would consider your immediate needs and try to help with essential items such as:
- a referral for baby milk, nappies or food for your baby and your family
- essential furniture items, for example a bed, or white goods
- shopping vouchers
- help with emergency supply of gas or electric where there is no heating in the household
- advice and referrals to another service, agency or fund
- council tax support
- copies of birth certificates for homeless people
Assistance may also include things such as seeking debt advice, referral routes to affordable loans and recycled furniture schemes. We also give advice on how to access more affordable fuel tariffs and benefits.
Warm Salford
Warm Salford is Salford City Council’s campaign to help you stay warm and well. Visit their site to find grants, tips on making your home more energy efficient, advice on bills, and more.