One of the problems of severe winter weather is that you inevitably have to spend more money on whacking the heating on full so you don't freeze to death.
Well, if you live in the UK and are finding yourself a bit strapped keeping your gaff warm the government may be able to help you out, thanks to its warm home discount scheme.
The warm home discount is a one-off voucher worth £140 that helps people pay the cost of their electricity bill. The voucher doesn't go to you - instead it goes straight to your energy company to discount your bill.
Advert
The discount is valid between the months of September and March so will cover the cost of this month's icy weather. Handily, you can also use it towards your gas bill if you use the same company for that.
According to The Sun, you can apply for the discount if you meet your supplier's criteria for a low income or if you're a pensioner on Guarantee Credit. It doesn't matter if you have a pre-pay or a pay-as-you-go electricity meter.
If your energy supplier was part of the scheme on 9 July 2017, you may be able to get it if you get certain means-tested benefits like Universal Credit. All you have to do is check with your supplier to see if you're eligible, or contact the Warm Home Discount Team on 0800 731 0214.
Advert
Better get in there sharpish though - the number of discounts that energy companies are allowed to dish out are limited, and no one wants to miss out on a cheaper bill.
The warm home discount is different from the cold weather payment, which people on benefits get automatically when their area has had below freezing temperatures for seven days in a row.
It's also separate from the winter fuel payment which helps elderly people cover their heating costs to the tune of between £100 and £300.
According to the government's figures, this winter it has paid over £40 million in winter support to people across the UK, The Sun has reported.
Advert
Guy Opperman, Minister for Pensions and Financial Inclusion, said: "It's important that older people keep their homes warm during the cold snap and we provide a range of financial support including Winter Fuel and Cold Weather Payments to enable them to do so.
"We urge pensioners across the UK to check that they and their relatives, friends and neighbours are keeping warm and receiving the support they are entitled to."
No excuse for keeping the heating off. Turn it up, get a blanket and watch some telly.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: government, UK News, News