The NNPCF know that the cost of living crisis is causing worry and stress for all families especially those with disabled children.
We bring the genuine issues that families are experiencing to every meeting we attend to ensure these at issues are discussed at all levels.
Below are some websites that may be able to offer assistance and advice during this winter.
General
Help for Household’s -This is the governments website with resources on how to get support with energy bills, household costs, childcare costs, and what discounts and offers are available.
Warm Home Discount Scheme – This may offer some people on benefits assistance or with low incomes towards electrical bills.
Getting help from your supplier for customer in debt – Scope have shared some helpful recourses to support with debt repayment schemes.
Help paying bills using your benefits – There is more information on the government’s website to advise about paying debts for energy bills out of benefits payments.
Charitable Trusts
Some energy companies have set up Charitable Trusts which customers can apply to for help if they are finding it difficult to meet energy costs or have arrears.
If your energy supplier doesn’t have a trust you can apply to
British Gas Energy Trust for help, as their charitable scheme isn’t just for British Gas customers.
Most charities will expect that customers apply to a debt/money advice organisation for help before going to them.
Families can find a debt advisor here.
There may be other charities who could assist with energy costs, by providing grants, which is money which doesn’t need to be
paid back.
You can use Turn2Us to search for grants and schemes.
Benefits check
Have you had a benefit check lately? It’s recommended that families get a benefits check from their local benefits advice service to check whether they are receiving all of the financial support that they are entitled to, as an increase in
income may help the family to meet ongoing costs.
They can find your local benefits advisor here .
Energy efficient upgrades
You may be entitled to energy efficiency support, which may help towards energy efficient upgrades to your home.
The charity Scope offer disabled people and their family’s advice regarding energy support. Disability Energy Support
Local Energy Advice Partnership LEAP
LEAP is a free service that is helping people keep warm and reduce their energy bills without costing any money
Contact
Charity for families with disabled children has lots of advice and help on their website from help with household bills to their Listening Ear service as well as cost of living support and advice
Citizens Advice
There is lots of useful information on their website your energy supply – Citizens Advice as well as their consumer specialist helpline
Oxygen
If your child has an oxygen concentrator, you can get a rebate for the electricity the concentrator uses from the company that supplies the concentrator. Contact them directly for advice.