Winter hardship support

Find out what support is out there to help you through winter and make sure you’re receiving all the help that you’re entitled to.

There are grants, benefits and sources of advice available to make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or help with bills.

Some examples of support are:

• Most people born before 6 October 1954 get the Winter Fuel Payment, an annual tax-free payment to help with heating costs. To find out more about this, ring the Winter Fuel Payment helpline on 0800 731 0160.
  
  
• Check if you are eligible for inclusion on the priority services register operated by your water and power supplier. This means you can get extra help and support if there’s a power cut.

• In Norfolk, visit Norfolk Warm Homes or call 01603 430103 for guidance on local benefits advice and grants for heating and insulation, as well as advice on home adaptions and simple changes which can be made around the home as you get older.
  
  
• In Waveney, visit Warm Homes Healthy People for support about keeping warm in winter and help for older people with accessing winter fuel payments.
  
  
• Visit simpleenergyadvice.org.uk and www.gov.uk/browse/benefits/heating for further information.

Financial Help

No one should be hungry or cold this winter.

If you need help paying the bills, are worried about the cost of food or cannot afford to heat your home, you may be able to get support. 

In Norfolk: Find information on finances, food, practical and emotional support, and keeping warm. www.norfolk.gov.uk/wintersupport

In Waveney: Find information about Suffolk’s Assistance Scheme and links to local foodbanks. https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/suffolk-advice-and-support-service/