Our client is a pensioner who was widowed last year, and their elderly parent also passed away. They now live alone, in receipt of state pension, pension credit, housing benefit and attendance allowance. They live in an old draughty property, with a private rent of around £1300 per month. They have been receiving additional housing benefit, which has covered most of the rent, but this is due to reduce soon.
The property is off mains gas. They use oil for their heating, but it was really low in the tank. They had no funds to be able to get a delivery. With their own poor health and the weather being cold, they contacted Citizens Advice Swale to see if we could assist.
We helped our client by applying to the Fuel Bank Foundation’s Heat Fund, and as a result the client was ordered 750L of oil, totalling around £500. We were also able to provide fuel support with a £100 prepaid card for fuel/water from Children & Families Household Support Fund.
This alleviated the client’s fuel crisis and will last the client through the rest of the winter, going into spring. With our advice, the client will try to save monthly, so that they can afford heating next year.
We provided our client with details of Green Doctor. They will visit our client at home, to see how they can continue reducing energy costs. They are able to refer them to other support organisations within their community and install free efficiency measures, such as LED lightbulbs and draught proofing.
We provided them with details on how to apply for discretionary housing payments via their local council, to top up their rent payments. Our client is delighted with the advice and support.
Well done to Denny, our Financial Capability & Energy Awareness Project Worker