Flexible Support Fund
The money is issued on top of other benefits and can be used to help cover the costs of things such as childcare, uniforms, or work tools as long as they help you get a job. Speak with a member of the local Job Centre.
Warm Home Discount Scheme
Struggling families on a low income can get up to £140 of help towards their electricity bills through the warm home discount scheme. Your supplier will apply the discount automatically if you are entitled to it. The money is not paid to you but is a one-off discount on your electricity bill between October and March.
To find out whether you qualify, you can call the government Warm Home Discount phone line on 0800 731 0214.
Cold Weather Paymemts
You’ll get a payment 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 and 31 March.
To see if you’re eligible, you can pop your postcode into the government’s locator tool – https://coldweatherpayments.dwp.gov.uk/
The payment is made automatically so you don’t need to apply. If you don’t receive a payment and believe you’re eligible then you can tell your pension centre or Jobcentre Plus office, or call the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644. If you’re getting Universal Credit, you can also sign in to your account and add a note to your journal.
Norfolk Warm Homes
Grants may be available to households with a gross income of less than £30K per year.
To find out if you qualify, please call 01603 430103
Government Winter Fuel Payment
People born on or before 25th September 1956 could get between £250 – £600. The amount you’ll get includes a ‘Pensioner Cost of Living Payment’. This is between £150 and £300. You’ll only get this extra amount in winter 2022 to 2023.The payment is automatic if you get a state pension or get another social security benefit. If you don’t get either of these you can make a claim at: Winter Fuel Payment: Check if you need to claim – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)You must claim by 31.03.2023.
Cost of Living vouchers
If you are eligible for free school meals you will now receive a monthly ‘cost of living’ voucher. The vouchers will be £15 per month, per child. There is an additional payment of £30 for December, to coincide with the Christmas holidays. That’s £120 per child in total. The vouchers will be paid from November 2022 (backdated) up to and including April 2023. The vouchers are provided by Edenred. You can use Edenred vouchers in all supermarkets for essentials, including clothing. If you receive a means-tested benefit and are entitled for Free School Meals (Pupil Premium) you will automatically receive the vouchers from your child’s school.