Money support for you this winter: vouchers, grants and entitlements

As winter approaches, whg is committed to helping customers stay warm, save money and access the support you need.

We’ve partnered with Act On Energy and Better Housing Better Health to offer money-saving schemes and advice to help you save this winter. 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. Maximize 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
 

1. Save on energy bills with fuel vouchers

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

Act On Energy and Better Housing Better Health both offer vouchers worth £49, which can be used to top up your gas or electricity meter.

• Act On Energy
  • Available across Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall, Wolverhampton, and more.
  • No specific eligibility requirements.
  • How to apply:
    • Call 0800 988 2881 or visit Act On Energy to self-refer.
    • Response time is typically 2-3 days but may be longer during peak demand.
• Better Housing Better Health
  • Available nationwide, with no restrictions on energy suppliers.
  • Provides up to three vouchers per year.
  • Eligibility: If you have less than £10 in credit on your prepayment meter.
  • How to apply:
    • Call 0800 107 0044 or visit Better Housing Better Health Fuel Vouchers.

 
💡 Tip:
If your energy credit is running low, don’t wait until you’ve run out—apply for a voucher as soon as possible to avoid disconnection.

2. Maximize savings with energy advice

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:

• Reducing energy consumption.
• Understanding and checking energy bills to ensure accuracy.
• Switching suppliers for better deals, even though fewer options may be available.
• Applying for energy efficiency grants.
• Installing small energy-saving measures like radiator reflector foil and draught-proofing.

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

• How to apply:
  • Call 0800 988 2881 to self-refer or visit Act On Energy.

 
💡 Tip:
Even if switching deals are limited, reviewing your energy usage with an expert can uncover hidden savings and ensure you’re not paying more than necessary.
 

3. Small Measures Grant – Energy-saving equipment

If you’re struggling 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:

• Dehumidifiers (for preventing damp and mould).
• Chimney draught excluders.
• Thermally lined curtains.
• Hot water cylinder jackets and pipe insulation.
• Energy-saving lightbulbs.
• Radiator reflector foil.
• Emergency heaters.

How to apply:

• Call 0800 107 0044 or visit Better Housing Better Health Small Measures Grant

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

4. Claim Social Tariffs from water suppliers

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 Water – Big Difference Scheme

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:

• Eligibility: Household income below £22,010 (additional allowances for child dependants)
• Discount: Up to 70% off your water bill
• Duration: 12 months (reapply annually)
• How to apply: Visit Severn Trent’s website or call them for an application form

South Staffs Water – Assure Tariff

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

• Eligibility: Household income less than £20,050 per year
• Discount: 60% in the first year, 40% in the second year
• Additional allowance: £1,500 per dependent child
• How to apply: Download the application form from South Staffs Water’s website or call them for assistance

 
💡 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.
 

5. Save on energy bills by switching

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.

6. Check your entitlements for additional financial support

Many households miss out on vital financial support, like Pension Credit, which can be the key to accessing further help like the Winter Fuel Payment.

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 – or 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.

• How to apply:
  • Visit gov.uk/pension-credit or call 0800 99 1234.
  • Our whg money advisors can also assist—call 0300 555 6666.

 
💡 Tip:
An estimated 800,000 people eligible for Pension Credit aren’t claiming it. By applying you could unlock also other financial assistance like the Winter Fuel Payment.
 

7. Universal Credit

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.

• Remember:
  • It’s not automatic – You must submit a new claim for Universal Credit after receiving the letter to continue to get financial support.
  • The letter will include a deadline – usually three months from the date it was sent.
  • If you don’t apply by the deadline, your current benefits will stop, and you may experience a gap in financial support.

How to apply:

• Follow the instructions in your Migration Notice letter.
• Visit gov.uk/universal-credit to start your application.

💡 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: