Cold weather has been linked to serious health problems including heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression. Certain people are more likely to suffer from ill health in the cold and these include:
- People aged over 60
- Those on a low income who cannot afford their heating bills
- Those with long-term health conditions, such as heart, lung or kidney disease
- People with a disability
This is why keeping warm in winter is essential to keeping well. It is recommended that you keep all occupied rooms at a temperature of 18-20 degrees Celsius.
How to get help with your fuel bills
If you live in Lambeth and have concerns about the cost of heating your home there are lots of ways that you can get help to keep warm during the winter months.
Every Pound Counts
If you are struggling financially then it is important to check that you are getting all the benefits you are entitled to. Lambeth’s Every Pound Counts campaign offers a free benefits check to ensure you are claiming all the benefits and tax credits to which you are entitled to help you heat your home.
The free benefits check is available to Lambeth’s residents who are:
- Aged 60 and over
- Adults with a disability
- Adults with long-term health problems
- Families caring for children with special needs
- Carers
For more information on how to get a your free check call 020 7926 5555 or visit the Every Pound Counts website.
Heat savers
Heating your home is easier and cheaper if your home is well insulated. You may be entitled to a grant to help you insulate your home.
There are two main schemes that may be able to help with the cost of insulating your home: Coldbusters and Warm Front. These can fund things like installing central heating, loft and cavity wall insulation, and draught proofing.
People who may be eligible for these grants include those claiming:
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Housing Benefit
- Council Tax Benefit
- Disability Living Allowance
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
The Energy Saving Trust can advise you on what financial help you are entitled to. You can contact the Energy Saving Trust on 0800 512 012 or visit the website.
If you do not qualify for a grant you can still apply for an interest-free loan to cover the cost of making your home more energy efficient through Lambeth Council’s Loans for All scheme. To apply you must own your own home and pass a basic credit check.
For more information contact GLEEN (the organisation that administers the loans) on 0845 450 3374 or email them on info@gleen.org.uk
Help with fuel bills
Winter Fuel Payment
If you are aged 60 or over you should receive an annual Winter Fuel Payment to help cover the cost of your energy bills. You can find out how much you are entitled to by clicking here.
The payment is not means tested and everyone over 60 should receive it automatically.
Cold Weather Payments
You may also be entitled to extra Cold Weather Payments if the weather is very cold. You may be eligible for these payments if you claim the following benefits:
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
For more information click here.
Keep Warm, Keep Well
If you are over 60, have a long-term health condition, have a disability or are bringing up a family on a low income you can download a free Keep Warm, Keep Well guide here.
