Guernsey Families Unaware Of Crucial Winter Heating Help

Many families in Guernsey could be struggling to keep warm this winter, completely unaware of a vital financial lifeline designed to help with heating bills. A local charity believes a significant number of low-income islanders are missing out on support simply because they don't know it exists. The Winter Fuel Allowance, provided by the States of Guernsey, offers eligible households a weekly payment of up to £42.42. This crucial fund is specifically designed to ease the burden of heating costs for those on lower incomes during the colder months. Jim Roberts, chief executive of the Guernsey Community Foundation, highlighted the problem, stating, "I know there are families out there that are struggling with the cost, and they will not be aware that there is a support system in place." His organisation's survey last year painted a stark picture, revealing that 5% of islanders frequently go without essentials like heating or food. There's a persistent misconception that this kind of support is exclusively for pensioners. However, Mr Roberts stressed that the challenge of affording heating bills isn't limited to older generations. The Winter Fuel Allowance is available to all eligible householders who receive Income Support, regardless of age. This lack of awareness means some who could benefit are not applying. One islander, Leslie, remarked, "If I qualified for it I'd use it, but I don't think I do." Another, Maggie, expressed a common sentiment, saying, "We don't feel we need it enough. I feel other people need it more than we do." These comments underscore how many might be self-excluding or simply unaware of their eligibility. For those facing difficulties, help is available. Gareth Wordingham from Guernsey Electricity urged anyone struggling with affordability to get in touch. "If you've got a problem with affordability do give us a call, we'd much rather help you than have you sitting at home shivering," he said. He also offered practical tips to keep costs down: turn off small, expensive-to-run heaters when leaving a room, seal any drafts, and ensure curtains are tucked behind radiators so heat circulates into the room rather than getting trapped. The message is clear: if you're on Income Support and struggling with heating costs, it's worth checking your eligibility for the Winter Fuel Allowance. Don't suffer in silence when support is available. --- Managing your business finances? TaxAce provides smart online accountancy services for UK businesses with flexible monthly plans. Image and reporting: https://www.bbc.co.uk | Read original article