While the weather has remained warm for this time of year, Autumn is here, and all our thoughts are turning to colder months. The Cost-of-Living Crisis has had far-reaching consequences for everyone even with a slight reduction in fuel costs.
We at Shine want to continue to support you to be aware of and claim all the financial support you are entitled to. Please note the following information is correct at the time of writing.
This information will be distributed via our Facebook groups, through email newsletters, as well on our website.
Scroll down the page for more information.
Click here to download a version in Welsh.
This is the second payment from the £900 package that the Government pledged in Nov 2022. The first payment of £301 was received in Spring 2023.
You should expect to receive the £300 payment between 31st October 2023 and 19th November 2023. If you receive tax credits you will receive payments from 10th – 19th November. You won’t be able to report a missing payment until 20th November - Report a missing Cost of Living Payment - GOV.UK (dwp.gov.uk)
Households who receive the following Means tested Benefits will receive the payments:
You are eligible for this Cost-of-Living Payment if you were entitled to a payment (or later found to be entitled to a payment) of the means test benefits mentioned above for an assessment period that ended in the period 18 August 2023 to 17 September 2023.
The payment will be paid automatically to your usual bank account. You do not need to apply so be wary of any scams sent by email or text.
Winter Fuel Payment is an annual tax-free payment for households that include someone born on or before 25 September 1957 (for 2023-24). It's designed to help cover your heating costs in winter.
If you were born on or before 25 September 1957, you could get between £250 - £600 to help with your bills in winter this year. The exact amount depends on your age and whether other people in your household also qualify.
If you live in a care or nursing home, you will receive a smaller amount. However, if you live in either a care or nursing home and receive Pension Credit, income-based job seekers allowance or income related ESA you are not entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment.
If you have received the benefit before you will automatically get it paid to you this year. It should be automatic if you receive state pension, or another benefit.
If you haven’t received your payment, you can call the Winter Fuel Payment Helpline on 0800 731 0160.
With the Cost-of-Living increasing outgoings across all areas making a budget will help you take control of your finances and ideally get you back on track financially. Having more money coming in will not help if you don’t keep track on your spending.
There are charities that can help you with budgeting and debt:
You can also speak to your Shine Support & Development Worker.
With the weather turning colder it is worth reminding Shine members that you can use the Priority Register Service.
If you rely on energy supply for medical reasons, or if it is essential that you get priority support for heating and cooking facilities, this service will be essential for you.
You could be entitled to support such as advanced notice of power cuts, help to read your meter, have your bills sent or copied to someone else and more if you are eligible for the “Priority Services Register”. Suppliers are also prohibited from disconnecting premises occupied by customers who are on the register during the winter months (1st October – 31st March).
It is a free support service that energy suppliers offer, each keeps their own register, and you will need to contact your own supplier to get on to the register. To check if you are eligible and find out other support services, please visit the Ofgem website.
Ring 105 to report or get information about power cuts in your local area. This service is free, and you will be put through to a local network operator for help and advice. You can call from most landlines and mobiles or use their website.
If your area is prone to flooding, you can sign up to free flood warnings from Floodline. They provide a 24-hour service that provides warnings by phone, text or email: 0345 988 1188.
Staying healthy and well during the colder months is important and you should start by booking yourself in for the seasonal vaccinations you are eligible for. You will be able to get a seasonal Flu and Covid 19 vaccine if:
Most children aged from 2- 16 will be offered the Flu Vaccine.
This NHS link will give advice on other seasonal vaccinations and how to book them.
In the UK around 50% of white people and 90% of people of colour are deficient in Vitamin D. Make sure you keep your Vitamin D levels up during the dark winter months. Vitamin D is essential for keeping bones strong and may help to prevent depression and heart disease. It can help prevent respiratory infections and helps normal immune function. 90% of Vitamin D is made by the skin when the sun shines on it. However, from October to April the sun is not strong enough in the UK to produce this effect. People with spina bifida, who find it hard to get outdoors every day, may be at particular risk of deficiency. We recommend all members take a 10ug supplement of Vitamin D each day to prevent deficiency. You can buy vitamin D supplements or vitamin drops containing vitamin D (for under 5s) cheaply from most pharmacies and supermarkets. Women and children who qualify for the Healthy Start scheme can get free vitamins.
Top up your intake with oily fish and fortified foods such as dairy products and cereals. When the weather is warmer, try to go out for half an hour a day. Ask your GP to check your Vitamin D levels. If you have kidney impairment you may need a prescription for active Vitamin D.
If you need any support with anything mentioned above, Shine’s Support and Development Workers may be able to assist with this and/or accessing one of the support organisations to advice you further.
Please contact us via firstcontact@shinecharity.org.uk or 01733 555988 and request a call back. For further information on Shine’s services and Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus please have a look around our website.
If you want further information on staying well, further grants and more tips and suggestions please join our:
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