Coping with electricity, gas and other fuel bills has always been an issue for lone parents, whether in work or not. There are a range of schemes to help lone parents – whether in work or on benefits, as well as a range of information and advice to help you maximise your energy efficiency at home and cut your fuel bills.
Gingerbread can direct you to more information and advice – we work in partnership with NIE and the Energy Saving Trust to help you get practical help and information on how to become more energy efficient. You can collect free Energy Efficient light bulbs from any Gingerbread office as well as leaflets on how to use energy better. There is also plenty of advice and assistance available – just ask.
The Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre advises you to look around your home and see where you can make a difference, from checking that you have enough loft insulation to switching to low energy light bulbs.
By making your home more energy efficient could save on your household fuel bills. There are some simple steps you can make to your home cosier in the winter and cooler in the summer and help prevent climate change.
Free home energy check:
For a report on how much energy can be saved in your own home, fill out the Energy Saving Trust’s online home energy check. You can get this online or by phoning the Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre – see below.
Get Insulated:
Around 50% of the heat lost in your home is through the walls and roof, so insulating them can be the most cost effective way to save energy in the home. You may be entitled to help with the cost of this – ask for more details.
Look for the logo:
Look out for the energy saving recommended logo when you’re buying new electrical appliances. For example, an Energy Saving Recommended washing machine could cut your energy consumption by up to a third compared to
an old washing machine.
Energy efficient light bulbs:
There are now more good reasons than ever to use energy saving light bulbs. They use up to 80 per cent less electricity than standard bulbs and last up to 12 times longer, but produce the same amount of light so they can help you save money and energy. Technology has moved on a lot since energy saving light bulbs were first introduced, and so has the way they look – a wide range are now available. Prices have come down recently but you can also collect free energy saving bulbs from any Gingerbread office.
Get a free Benefits and Tax Credits check:
Gingerbread is working with NIE and Advice NI – the independent advice network to ensure that lone parents are getting all the benefits that they are entitled to – maximising your income can help you cope better with fuel costs.
You can contact us to get a free and confidential benefit check to find out if you are entitled to more money.
Gingerbread’s Advice staff will use a computer based benefit checker to quickly see if you are getting the right benefits. We will also check your situation and make sure that you are aware of other benefits that might be useful if
you are:
• Concerned about your fuel bills
• planning to go into work
• considering going into training
• if you or one of your children have a health problem or disability
• if you are a carer
• if you might be entitled to Child Support
• if there are support services that might be able to help you
Gingerbread can help you by providing you with advice on your options and may be able to help your claim and any
forms.
If you need any more information or advice please contact us:
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Freephone Advice Helpline - 0808 808 8090
Website – www.gingerbreadni.org
Email – advice@gingerbreadni.org |
Energy Saving Trust - The Energy Saving Trust offers free, comprehensive advice and support on how you can save energy and access cash backs, grants and offers.
Website - www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/northernireland
Phone - 0800 512 012
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