Helping you stay warm and well
During winter the colder weather can really impact everyday life for many people, especially those who are already vulnerable because of age, illness, or disability.
Also, with rising energy costs, we know that some residents may be finding it hard to keep on top of their bills. We want you to know that support is available to help keep you warm and well this winter.
Support services
SHINE London
We have partnered with SHINE London to provide a one-stop referral service for residents who are struggling to pay their energy bills. They can assess residents for a range of services to improve health, finances, and energy efficiency.
Phone
0300 555 0195
Email
contact@shine-london.org.uk
Haringey Citizens Advice Bureau
Haringey Citizens Advice Bureau can offer advice on benefits, heating, grants and debt. They will conduct a gateway assessment on the phone and may offer a pre-booked appointment.
Phone
0808 278 7966 (Monday-Friday, 9am to 5pm)
Website
Citizens Advice Haringey (external link)
General advice
If you have a query that is not answered below, or just want more information about any of the services available please contact our Affordable Warmth Team.
Phone
020 8489 3489
Email
affordable.warmth@haringey.gov.uk
Financial help
Winter Fuel Payment
If you were born before 26 September 1955, you should receive a Winter Fuel Payment of between £100 and £300 depending on your circumstances. These payments are usually paid automatically with your State Pension or other benefits during November and December but if you don't receive them you can apply.
Phone
0345 915 1515
Textphone
0345 606 0285
Website
Winter Fuel Payment - GOV.UK (external link)
Warm Home Discount
You could get £140 off your electricity bill for winter 2021 to 2022 under the Warm Home Discount Scheme.
You qualify for this discount if on the ‘qualifying day’ in July your supplier was part of the scheme, your name was on the bill, and you were getting the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit (even if you get Savings Credit as well).
If you meet the criteria outlined above, you should receive a letter between October and December 2021 telling you how to get the discount, and the discount will be applied to your bill by the end of March 2022.
If you do not receive your letter and you think that you qualify, please contact the helpline on 0845 603 9439.
Some suppliers also offer this discount to vulnerable households in receipt of benefits and/or on low incomes, but you will need to contact the supplier directly.
To see if your supplier is part of the scheme please visit GOV.UK's Warm Home Discount page (external link)
The deadline to claim is the end of February 2022. Claims made after this date will not be accepted.
If you would like support to find out whether you are eligible for this discount or more information about how to apply, please contact SHINE London.
Cold Weather Payment
Residents in receipt of certain benefits could get a £25 payment to cover extra heating costs if the temperature drops below freezing seven days in a row.
After each period of very cold weather in your area, you should get a payment within 14 working days into the same bank account as your benefit payments.
For more information, please visit the Cold Weather Payment page on the GOV.UK website (external link).
Mayor of London - Warmer Homes Scheme
The Mayor of London’s Warmer Homes programme provides free heating, insulation and ventilation improvements for low-income Londoners who own their own homes or rent privately.
The Mayor of London will provide a maximum of £5,500 per home for energy efficiency improvement, subject to eligibility and availability of funding. For Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), the funding is limited to £2,000 per dwelling, and £10,000 per building, on the basis that these homes are usually smaller.
In some cases, additional grant funding from the government’s energy efficiency scheme (the Energy Company Obligation) may be available, subject to eligibility and availability.
If you qualify for the Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery funding (see below) then a grant of up to £10,000 for owner-occupiers and £5,000 for private tenants will also be available for applicable works.
Applicants need to provide information showing they are (or their tenant is) eligible and details about the property. If the application is successful, a survey will be needed to work out which improvements are most suitable.
There are several options available if applicants qualify for the programme.
- Heating system improvements or repairs
- Improved heating controls
- Insulation for walls, roofs and floors
- Draught-proofing
- Renewable energy installations
All surveys and installations are managed by Happy Energy Solutions Ltd. They provide a dedicated contact who helps explain what improvements are most suitable and ensure that work is carried out to a high standard.
Find out more about the Warmer Homes scheme and apply (external link)
Green Homes Grant Scheme
Some Haringey households could get up to £10,000 to cover the installation costs of heat efficiency measures such as low carbon heating systems, insulation, smart heating controls, and energy efficient doors and windows.
You may be eligible for the Green Homes Grant if:
- your household has a combined total annual income of less than £30,000 per year
- you are in receipt of any benefits
- you own the home
- your property has a low Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of band D, E, F, or G
- your property has never had an EPC survey (this can be done through the scheme)
Private landlords may also apply for the grant on behalf of their tenants who meet the eligibility criteria. Please note, gas boiler repairs and replacements are not part of the scheme.
It is recommended that you apply via the Mayor of London Warmer Homes scheme (external link) as eligibility will be checked for both schemes.
Haringey Support Fund
This is a scheme to support residents who are facing unexpected costs and require emergency help, including gas and electricity reconnection.
See our Haringey Support Fund page for more information.
Other available support
Loft Insulation
If the insulation in your loft is not 300mm (12 inches) thick you could be losing a large amount of heat through the roof of your property. Some energy suppliers offer free insulation to eligible households.
If you think your loft does need insulating, please contact SHINE London.
London Power
The Greater London Authority’s energy company offers one of the cheapest pre-pay tariffs and doesn’t roll over residents to expensive variable tariffs.
Website
London Power (external link)
Priority Services Register (PSR)
This is a free service provided by suppliers to customers who may need some extra support. Contact your supplier to find out more information and to register.
See also
- Financial support team
Our financial support team helps Haringey residents improve their financial situation. Find out how they can help you. - Haringey, Here to Help
Help and support including benefits and financial help, employment, housing and mental health - Haringey Support Fund
A scheme that can help with the costs of basic living needs such as food, and gas and electricity reconnection. - Preparing for winter - Ageing Well guide