Am I entitled to a winter fuel payment?

If you are over 60, you will usually be entitled to a lump sum towards your fuel bills. This is called the winter fuel payment.

Find out more about winter fuel payments on the Directgov website.

On this website you will find contact details and frequently asked questions.

You can also ring the winter fuel helpline on 0845 915 1515, textphone 0845 601 5613. Lines are open 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.

You can claim Winter Fuel Payments until 30 March of each relevant winter. For example, a claim for winter 2009/10 had to be made by 30 March 2010.

You may also be able to claim for past winters. Download the application form for past winters 1997/98, 1998/99 and 1999/2000. From 2000/01 time limits for claims were introduced.

Are there any grants available to help me make my home more energy efficient?

Depending on your age and the benefits you receive, you may be able to get a grant to make your home warmer, healthier and more energy efficient.

The government-backed scheme, Warm Front, can provide a free package of insulation and heating improvements. Find out more on the Warm Front website.

If you have a query about the Warm Front scheme, you can send an email to enquiry@eaga.com or call freephone 0800 316 2805

Could my meter be wrong?

Incorrect meter readings are one of the most common reasons for households paying too much for their energy.

Make sure you read your meter when you move in or out of your home and check your reading against any bills you receive.

If you think your meter might be wrong, take regular meter readings, and note the dates when you take them. Remember to take readings when price cuts or increases are announced. If your readings do not match the bills you receive, contact your energy supplier and ask them to check your meter.

Should I change my energy supplier?

You may be able to save money by changing your supplier. Visit our 'How to change your energy supplier' page to find out more.

Are there cheaper ways to pay for my energy?

Some methods of payment are more expensive than others and different companies will charge different amounts.

For example, it is usually cheaper if you:

It can be more expensive if you:

Check our 'Reducing Expenditure' pages on how to save even more.

Where can I find more information about energy efficiency and saving money on my bills?

Visit our 'Energy saving tips' page or go to Doncaster Borough Council's website for information and energy savings tips on household appliances.

For information about what help is available to pay your energy bills, visit our 'Affordable warmth' page.

Some grants and schemes described on this website will not be available to tenants of St. Leger Homes of Doncaster Ltd.

Will my water bills be cheaper if I have a water meter?

Visit Yorkshire Water’s website to find out how much metered water costs. In 2011/12 prices vary from about £3.44 a week for one person (low usage) through to over £13.81 a week for five people (high usage). If you would like to have a water meter installed in your home, please contact the St. Leger Homes Business Development Team’s surveyor on 01302 862761 for permission. Homes that do not have a water meter receive bills based on the rateable value of their property. In 2011, a rough idea of prices would be:

Always check with Yorkshire Water for their latest prices.

Are you paying too much for essential goods and services?

A study has found that poor families have to pay on average £1,280 more every year for essential goods and services such as gas, electricity and insurance. This extra amount is known as the 'poverty premium'. Basic goods, such as a fridge or oven can cost 150% more if bought on credit, and fuel can cost 10% more on a prepayment meter.

The study was carried out by the charity Save the Children and the Family Welfare Association. If you would like to find out more, visit the Save the Children website.

You can also download the charity's report.