Benefit recipients could be entitled to savings of up to £310 a year on energy-saving improvements in their homes this winter.
It is part of the Affordable Warmth Obligation scheme, which aims to help to improve the energy efficiency of the homes of those who are struggling this winter.
Those who are eligible could be entitled to funds to help cover the costs towards insulation work.
People on low-incomes or are receipts of certain benefits, such as Universal Credit, will be able to receive money towards improving the heating systems in their homes - and ultimately reduce the cost of heating bills.
Other schemes in place to help those in need this winter include Cold Weather Payments, which offers those who qualify £25 extra a week from next month if temperatures plummet, and the Warm Home Discount scheme, which allows pensioners to claim £140 extra towards their energy bills, report North Wales Live.
What is the Affordable Warmth Obligation?
The Affordable Warmth Obligation was set up by the UK Government to make sure we can all afford to heat our homes when temperatures plummet during the winter months.
The scheme is part of the Energy Companies Obligation (ECO) which creates a legal obligation for energy suppliers to improve the efficiency of households of people who earn less money or who claim particular benefits on low incomes or on certain benefits.
The scheme grants funding to people who need energy-saving improvements and occasional financial aid to help with the cost of insulation work:
- insulation work - such as to a loft or cavity walls.
- replacing or repairing a boiler - or other upgrades to heating.
According to their website , those eligible recipients who have such improvements could save up to £310 a year.
While this is an obvious save, it is important to remember in most cases individuals will have to make a contribution towards the improvement.
Am I eligible for the scheme?
There are two branches of eligibility.
Those claiming certain benefits could qualify as long as they live in private housing - such as in a property rented from a private landlord or in their own home.
Secondly those who live in social housing, but eligibility depends on the energy efficiency of the property.
If you claim benefits and live in private housing
You may qualify for the government scheme if you live in private housing and get one of the following benefits:
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Universal Credit
- Pension Guarantee Credit - you will not be eligible if you only claim Pension Savings Credit
- Income Support
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Disability Living Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Severe Disablement Allowance
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefits
- War Pensions Mobility Supplement
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Child Benefit
The Government warns renters must have the property owner's permission to make changes.
If you're in social housing
You may be eligible for the Affordable Warmth scheme if you live in social housing and the property has an energy efficiency rating of E, F or G.
In these cases, recipients could qualify for help with insulation or the installation of a heating system for the first time.
To check the energy efficiency rating of a property, contact your landlord or housing association - or use the energy performance certificate register .
How do you apply?
Find out if you are eligible for The Affordable Warmth Scheme and register your interest in the scheme by completing a multiple choice questionnaire .
You are then told one of the team will be in touch further discuss the process.
Additionally, the UK Government recommends consulting the Each Home Counts website - which gives advice on ways to improve the energy efficiency of your home.
You will also find information on grants and schemes available, which includes the Affordable Warmth scheme - though this is referred to as the ECO initiative .
Those interested in the scheme are advised to contact their energy supplier to find out more information about their eligibility.
