Top tips to save money this winter

We’ve partnered with HACT, Act On Energy and Better Housing Better Health to offer money-saving schemes and advice to help whg customers save. And we’ve put together some extra tips to help make sure you are accessing all of the help available if you need it. Read our seven tips below.

1. Save on energy bills with fuel vouchers
2. Maximise savings with energy advice
3. Energy-saving equipment grants
4. Claim Social Tariffs from water suppliers
5. Save on energy bills by switching
6. Check entitlements for extra support
7. Universal Credit

Fuel vouchers can provide a critical lifeline to help manage heating costs when you’re at risk of running out of energy.

HACT Fuel Fund: as of 18 November HACT are not currently accepting new applications due to high demand.

With rising energy costs, making small changes to your home’s energy efficiency can lead to big savings.

Act On Energy provides free, expert advice on:

 
Their Community Outreach Officers can even visit your home to assess your needs and help with installations.

💡 Tip:
Reviewing your energy usage with an expert can uncover hidden savings and ensure you’re not paying more than necessary.

If you’re looking for ways to keep your home warm, the Better Housing Better Health Small Measures Grant offers up to £300 worth of energy-saving items to help reduce your bills and improve comfort.

Eligible items include:

How to apply:

 
💡 Tip:
If you need assistance with the application, a whg money advisor can help you submit your request.

Don’t forget to check if you’re eligible for discounts on your water bills from Severn Trent Water and South Staffs Water. These social tariffs can significantly reduce your water costs.

Severn Trent offers up to 70% off the average water bill for households with an income below £22,010.

Here’s what you need to know:

South Staffs Water provides discounts for low-income households through their Assure tariff.

💡 Tip:
If you’re struggling with water bills, don’t hesitate to apply for these social tariffs. They can make a significant difference to your household budget.

Switch to a Fixed Energy Tariff: If you’re not on one, switching could save you over £200 a year.

Switching is easy, it’s the same gas, same electricity and same safety. Only the customer service and who bills you changes. Your supply always stays on and no one visits your home unless you want or need smart meters.

Check out tips from MoneySavingExpert Martin Lewis for more advice.

Many households miss out on vital financial support. This year an estimated £24.1 billion in income related benefits and social tariffs will go unclaimed.

You can use the easy online calculator by entitledto to check what you might be able to claim.

Pension Credit

Pension Credit is a benefit aimed at people over state pension age, offering a top-up to their income.

The average weekly amount of Pension Credit is around £75 – more than £3,900 a year – according to government figures. But what you’ll get depends on your income, how much you have saved and whether you’re in a couple.

💡 Tip:
An estimated 750,000 people eligible for Pension Credit aren’t claiming it. By applying you could unlock also other financial assistance like the Winter Fuel Payment.

Some benefits and tax credits are ending and being replaced by Universal Credit.

Once you receive your Universal Credit Migration Notice letter, you will need to take action.

How to apply:

💡 Tip:
If you’re unsure about the process or need assistance, contact whg or speak to one of our expert money advisors by calling 0300 555 6666.

Our expert money advisors explained what’s happening with Universal Credit on our Facebook Live event: