It is expected that over the colder winter months household heating oil consumption will increase. The additional expense which comes with an increase in oil usage can put a strain on finances, particularly in the lead up to the festive Christmas period. With that in mind Gleaner would always recommend thinking ahead to your winter oil needs in the Autumn; ensuring you have time to budget for the extra cost and are prepared to order before the busy period.
If you do find that you are facing financial difficulties, which may affect your ability to cover the costs of your winter heating oil, you may be entitled to financial help. In the first instance we would ask you to contact our finance department who will be able to talk you through what options are available to you. In addition to this, there are many government and local authority schemes aimed at helping with the cost of large winter heating fuel bills. It may also be useful to talk to your local Citizens Advice Bureau who would be able to point you in the direction of charities which may be able to provide financial assistance.
How to pay for your winter heating oil:
Gleaner offer a wide range of payment options, which should meet the needs of most of our winter heating oil customers.
Our most popular method of payment is the Budget Payment Plan. It is suitable for heating oil customers who wish to pay a set amount on a monthly basis, this is a good way to spread the cost of your fuel throughout the year. The monthly amount is paid by direct debit and is based on your annual usage.
We also offer payment of the full amount of your invoice by direct debit, BACs, credit/debit card over the phone or online, or by cheque. We do ask for payment by the 10th of the month following your oil delivery, unless you have chosen our Budget Payment Plan
More information on how to pay for your winter heating oil can be found here. Including payment options for new customers and more information on contacting our Finance department.
Financial initiatives to help with winter heating oil bills:
We would never want to see any of our customers left without heating or hot water, particularly during the cold weather. Our finance team will be able to provide advice on the financial options available to you, and you may find that you are eligible for one of the schemes below to help you finance your winter home heating oil.
Winter Fuel Payment:
The Winter Fuel Payment initiative is designed to alleviate the financial pressure of paying for household heating over the colder months. If you are eligible for the scheme, we would encourage you to claim it.
You may be eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment if you were born on or before 5th April 1954. There are different rates of payment depending on age, whether you are receiving pension credit or social security benefits, and whether you live in a care home. You could be entitled to between £100 - £300, towards the cost of your winter heating oil.
Winter Fuel Payments are usually automatically paid along with social security benefits, however if you are not receiving those or if you have not received a payment before, you will need to make a claim by phone.
Age UK and Shelter Scotland both provide more information on Winter Fuel Payments. To find out if you are eligible and how to claim visit the Government website.
Cold Weather Payments:
Cold Weather Payments can also provide a small financial boost to those who are eligible. Should the temperature in your area be recorded as zero Degrees Celsius or below for seven days in a row, and you are claiming social security benefits, job-seekers allowance, income support, support for mortgage interest, universal credit or pension credit, you maybe be eligible. Cold Weather Payments are paid automatically by the Department for Work and Pensions and are usually made within 14 days of the qualifying weather period.
You can check whether your area is forecast to receive a Cold Weather Payment by visiting: coldweatherpayments.dwp.gov.uk and entering your postcode.
Additional Government Funding Schemes:
If you find yourself in a crisis or emergency situation, or are in a low-income household, there are other financial schemes which you may be able to utilise to help pay for your winter heating oil. Although these schemes aren’t designed to help specifically with household heating costs they can be used for this.
Crisis Grant through the Scottish Welfare Fund
A Crisis Grant may be awarded to cover expenses which have arisen as a result of an emergency situation, should you not have access to any other method of funding.
You could be eligible for a variety of reasons such as a gap in regular income. To qualify you must be over 16, on a low income and have proof that you don’t have the money to pay for your short term needs.
Applications for a Crisis Grant must be made to your local council, this can be done online. More information can be found here.
Budgeting Loan through the Social Fund
Offered through the Government Social Fund, a Budgeting Loan is an interest free loan to help spread the costs of essential items over a manageable period.
To qualify you must have been receiving: income support, jobseekers allowance, employment and support allowance or pension credit for at least 6 months. The minimum loan amount is £100, and must be re-paid in full within 2 years.
Applications for Budgeting Loans can be made online or through the Jobcentre Plus.
Local Council Community Care Grant
Community Care Grants are awarded in exceptional circumstances to help with the costs of staying-in or setting up a home. They could be awarded to help safeguard children, to those moving on from care or to help people live independently. To qualify you must be over 16, on a low-income or claiming benefits or universal credit.
You must apply for a Community Care Grant through your local Authority, more information can be found here.
Gleaner Ltd’s Finance Department may be contacted on 0800 833 534 and following the menu options.
