Introduction
Are you struggling to manage your energy supply or facing financial difficulties with your energy bills? This comprehensive guide will help you understand the support available to you, including the Priority Support Register and financial assistance options. Contend’s highly trained AI legal experts are here to assist you in navigating these challenges and ensuring you receive the help you need. Discover how to access vital resources and protect your rights with Contend, the easiest legal help in the UK.
If you’re having a tough time managing your energy supply, don’t hesitate to reach out to your energy companies for extra help. They have programs in place to assist customers who may need additional support, especially those considered vulnerable.
What is the Priority Support Register?
One way to get help is by applying to be on your electricity network’s Priority Support Register. This service offers various forms of assistance for both electricity and gas customers. Here are some examples of what you might receive:
- Prepayment Meter Assistance: If you have a prepayment meter and find it difficult to access, your supplier may help relocate it.
- Priority Calls: Your calls to the energy company may be prioritized, ensuring you get the help you need more quickly.
- Regular Meter Checks: Someone might be sent to check your meter regularly.
- Accessible Billing: You can request your bills in formats like large print or braille, or have them sent to someone else, such as a family member or carer.
- Safety Measures: If a technician needs to visit, they can provide a password or show a picture ID to ensure they are legitimate.
- Gas Supply Reconnection: If you lose your gas supply, they can assist in getting it reconnected.
Additionally, being on this register means you’ll receive advance notice of planned power cuts and extra support during unexpected outages, such as hot meals delivered to your home.
Financial Assistance for Energy Bills
If you’re struggling to pay your energy bills, there are options available:
- Grants and Benefits: Check to see if you qualify for any grants or benefits that can help cover your energy costs.
- Supplier Assistance: Contact your energy supplier to discuss options if you’re behind on payments. They may offer temporary credit for prepayment meters.
- No Energy Supplier? Even if you don’t have a direct energy supplier, like if you live in a park home, you can still apply for assistance.
If you have both gas and electricity, your electricity supplier can share your details with your gas supplier so you can receive similar support from both.
Who Qualifies as ‘Vulnerable’?
To be eligible for priority services, energy companies typically classify customers as ‘vulnerable.’ You may be considered vulnerable if you meet any of the following criteria:
- You have a disability or a long-term health condition.
- You are elderly (have reached State Pension age).
- You have children under 5 or are pregnant.
- You have difficulty with English.
- You struggle to answer the door or get help in emergencies.
- You are recovering from an injury.
Even if your situation isn’t listed, you may still qualify for support based on other circumstances, such as being recently bereaved or transitioning back to independent living after care.
Additional Benefits for Benefit Claimants
If you receive certain benefits, you might be eligible for a free annual gas safety check. This applies if:
- You live alone or with others who are disabled or elderly.
- You have a child under 5.
To find out your state pension age, check the GOV.UK website.
Watch Out for Scams
Be cautious of scammers pretending to be from energy companies. If you suspect a scam, do not share any personal or banking information and avoid using contact details provided in suspicious communications.
How to Apply for Priority Services
To apply for priority services, you need to identify your electricity network. This is the company responsible for supplying electricity in your area, which is different from the company that sends your bills. Once you find out who your electricity network is, you can fill out the application form on their website. This form will ask for your contact details and specific needs.
You can find more information and the application form on the Priority Services Register website.
Communicating Your Needs
When filling out the application, specify how you prefer to receive communications. Options may include large print, braille, or other languages. Your electricity network will share your information with your gas supplier and other relevant companies to ensure you receive comprehensive support.
Follow Up
If you don’t hear back from your energy companies within two weeks, give them a call. You can ask if you are on their priority services register and what support options are available to you.
Moving Homes
If you move, remember that your new home may be served by a different electricity network. You will need to reapply for priority services.
Finding Additional Help
If you’re facing financial difficulties, there are resources available to help you manage your living costs and debts. If you’re struggling to afford food, local food banks can provide assistance.
For more information on getting help with your bills or living costs, consider trying Contend’s legal expert chat. Contend’s highly trained AI legal experts will work with you to provide guidance and help you understand and resolve your legal problems. You don’t have to face these challenges alone—help is available.
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