Winter Fuel Hardship Support
We are working with Arun and Chichester Citizens Advice and West Sussex County Council to help people who live in West Sussex to keep their homes warm this winter. This is through the DWP Winter Hardship Fund*.
Please refer families or vulnerable people you are working with who may need help. For example they are being disconnected from their utility supplier, are worried about putting the heating on, or can’t afford all of their bills or they are in debt.
Who it’s aimed at:
80% of the fund is aimed at households with children and the remainder can be used for vulnerable people. They need to be:
- living in West Sussex
- Needing help with utility bills or keeping their home warm
The eligibility criteria are quite wide but clients are likely to be on a low income and in fuel poverty. Other circumstances can be considered too, including (these are examples, not a complete list):
- Families in receipt of Universal Credit or Tax Credits
- Care leavers
- Victims of domestic abuse
- Families in receipt of universal credit
- Families with children under 19 in full time education or under 25 with an EHCP
- Cancer patients on a low income
- And more.
What help can be provided?
Depending on the client’s situation, it may be possible to support with paying up to a few months utility bills direct to the client suppliers.
Other help may also be available such as mobile phone top ups, energy advice, benefit checks and referrals for specialist debt advice.
How to refer someone you’re working with:
Complete our simple secure online form. Please give the person’s details and how to contact them.
Please give as much detail as you can including what they need help with, and if you have any supporting papers. The more information you give the faster we can process it.
- Your client must have given consent for the referral.
Our online referral form: www.advicewestsussex.org.uk/referrers/
You can also email your referral to grants@westsussexcab.org.uk
Important: If your client lives in the Arun and Chichester area, please use Arun and Chichester Citizens Advice’s referral form (https://arunchichestercab.org.uk/refer) or email address (grants@arunchichestercab.org.uk).
If you have any questions about the project please email grants@westsussexcab.org.uk.
Other help with energy and utilities
We can also offer wider support including:
- In emergencies, we may be able to help with fuel vouchers or mobile phone top-ups, as well as internet costs.
- Assessing our client’s financial situation, checking benefit entitlement and making sure clients are claiming everything they are eligible for.
- Help with budgeting
- Suggesting ways clients can reduce the amount of energy they use in their homes
- Checking clients are on the best tariff for them. If there is a better deal available, we can support people to make the switch.
For information please click here: https://www.advicewestsussex.org.uk/i-need-help/reduce-your-energy-costs/
*The project is funded via West Sussex County Council from the DWP Winter Hardship Fund. The policy aim of the fund is: To give vulnerable households peace of mind in the run-up to Christmas and over the Winter months during the pandemic by helping those who need it to have food on the table and other essentials, so every child will be warm and well-fed this winter.