Central heating grants for disabled – Can you get help with heating?

Central heating grants for disabled people are possible through several different methods.

In this article we will be looking at a few different options to get a new system installed. As well as some other energy saving discounts for people living with disabilities.

Fuel Poverty in the UK

Fuel poverty in the UK has been a hot topic for several years now. Based on government figures, roughly 10% of homes in the UK struggle with fuel poverty.

According to a study carried out by disabled charity Scope (The out of the cold report), this is even worse in the disabled community. In fact, up to 55% of disabled adults are struggling to pay their fuel bills each month. This is a big problem and the government has made commitments to help the most vulnerable in society.

Central heating grants for disabled through ECO

The ECO (energy company obligation), Also known as the affordable warmth obligation, is a scheme set up by the government. Its main goal is to lower carbon emissions, as well as lowering fuel poverty in the UK.

The scheme instructs UK energy providers to help customers with energy saving measures. The EOC goal is to lower household bills and reduce energy wastage. The scheme covers:

• New boilers.
• Updating or replacing existing central heating systems.
• Cavity wall insulation.
• Roof insulation.
• It may also be possible to get double glazing grants through a partner scheme

You could be eligible for this type of central heating grant for disabled people if you get any of the following benefits:

• (PIP) Personal Independence Payment
• Disability Living Allowance
• Severe Disablement Allowance
• Attendance Allowance
• Carers Allowance
• Industrial Injury Disablement Benefit
• Mobility Supplement
• Constant Attendance Allowance

The scheme is also available to people collecting several other types of benefit. You can read more about central heating grants through the ECO here: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-programmes/eco

Central heating through a disabled facilities grant

Central heating grants for disabled people are also available via disabled facilities grants. But, this type of grant is not only for central heating, it also covers a variety of modifications that disabled people can make to their homes. These include changes such as:

• Widening doors and installing ramps
• Stairlift installation
• Installing downstairs bathrooms for easier access
• Adapting lighting and heating controls for easier use
• Improving central heating systems

This type of grant is usually provided through your local council and you will need to apply with them. Funding in the UK is available for up to £30,000 per qualifying household.

You could be eligible if you or someone you live with has a disability. Also, you must own the property or have permission from the landlord to make changes.

You can apply for a disabled facilities grant here https://www.gov.uk/apply-disabled-facilities-grant

Other useful energy grants

The two options mentioned above, are the main solutions when it comes to central heating grants for disabled people. But, there are other schemes available that can help you reduce your energy bills. These can be useful in the winter when fuel consumption is at its highest.

Most of these grants are either very easy to apply for, or they are automatic payments. If you are not receiving them, make sure you apply and take advantage of the discounts available to you.

Winter fuel payment

The winter fuel payment is not a central heating grant and it is not specifically for disabled people either. But, if you were born before 5 Oct 1954, you could recieve between £100, and £300 to help pay your bills during winter.

For most people who qualify you will receive this payment automatically. However, there are a few situations where you may need to apply.

You can see more details about applying for winter fuel payments here: https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/how-to-claim

Cold weather payment

Like the winter fuel payment, this is also financial help through the winter months. But, there are some differences. This is not a fixed amount paid in one lump sum. It consists of small individual payments of £25.

You will receive a cold weather payment for every 7 consecutive days where the temperature is below 0 degrees Celsius.

Again, this is not a benefit you need to apply for. If you are eligible payments are automatic. With that said, if you believe you are eligible and weren’t paid you should contact your local Job centre plus.

Warm home discount scheme

The warm home discount scheme is a one off electricity discount of £140. This amount is not paid to you, instead it will be a discount on your electric bill.

You will be eligible for this discount if you meet either of the following criteria:

1. You get the guaranteed credit element of pension credit
2. If you are on low income.

If you fall into the first category you should receive a letter about this discount. On the letter there will be a helpline which you can ring and apply to. If you never received a letter you can contact the Warm Home Discount helpline on 0800 731 0214.

If you are on low income, you will need to check with your energy provider. They will make this decision on a case by case basis. There is only a limited supply of these discounts, so it is on a first come first served basis.

Central heating grants for disabled conclusion

As you can see there are a few good options when it comes to central heating grants for disabled people. There are also quite a few schemes in place to assist with fuel poverty.

All these schemes are completely free to apply for. The first two could allow you to make significant changes to your current situation.

One final thing you should also consider is your current provider. According to Ofgem roughly 72% of people are on a standard variable tariff. This means they are paying the most expensive rates for energy.

Companies like Look After My Bills, allow you to easily switch supplier. They can also show you how much you are currently overpaying in about 30 seconds. To see how much money you could save by switching Click Here