Rotherham residents can once again receive support with their energy bills this year as the Council’s Energy Crisis Support Scheme reopens for applications.
The scheme offers payments of up to £250 per household and will run from Saturday 1 November until the end of the financial year or until the half million-pound fund is spent.
Applicants must have no more than £150 of disposable income left each month after paying essentials bills such as mortgage or rent, food, and utility bills. You do not have to be claiming benefits to apply and can be of any age to receive payments.
The application process is straightforward, but you will be asked to provide some basic details about your financial situation, including a recent bank statement, an energy bill, and your estimated monthly income and expenses.
The easiest way to apply is via the council’s website.
The Council has also put in place funding to support the valuable work of Citizens Advice and Age UK Rotherham to offer assistance and advice to those who may be eligible for Pension Credit payments.
Contact Citizens Advice Rotherham 0808 278 7911 for general advice and support or Age UK Rotherham for help with Pension Credit applications by calling 01709 835214.
Rotherham Council’s Leader, Cllr Chris Read, said: “Last year more than three thousand Rotherham residents benefited from our Energy Crisis payments, and this is now the fourth year that the scheme has been in operation.
“Once again, our team is also available to support applicants who could be eligible for Pension Credit to ensure everyone has access to money that they are entitled to – meaning that some older age applicants could benefit by as much as four thousand pounds over the coming year, depending on their income.
“At the same time, the government has expanded the number of homes entitled to the automatic £150 Warm Home Discount to an estimated 27,000 Rotherham households, and of course the overwhelming majority of Rotherham pensioenrs will see their Winter Fuel Payments restored this year.
“But while energy bills are now longer spiralling in cost, we know that many people will still be really struggling with gas and electricity bills. If that’s you, and you don’t know where else to turn, this is money to help get you through.”
Further information about funding, advice and support during the cost of living crisis can be found online at www.rotherham.gov.uk/money-matters or call our call centre on 01709 382121.
