Following the announcement on Friday 26 August from Ofgem regarding the fuel cap increase, the Spinal Injuries Association are supporting their members who will face ever increasing fuel bills with advice on maximising the income to which they are currently entitled.
Disabled people are being denied the help they need to get through this winter. Those in receipt of Personal Independence Payments or Disability Living Allowance are only being offered a £150 payment, instead of the £650 Cost of Living Payment that is being offered to those who receive other forms of social security. This is despite the additional energy needs that disabled people often live with.
This is particularly concerning for spinal cord injured people who often face higher energy bills due to more time spent at home, or greater sensitivity to cold temperatures. We know that disabled people are more likely than others to be living in fuel poverty, as well as often having additional outgoings such as large care costs, house adaptations and increased transport costs.
The help available is therefore needed now more than ever.
Nick Hartley CEO of Spinal Injuries Association said:
“We have created this fact sheet so that anyone who is feeling concerned can check that they are receiving all to which they are entitled and know where to find any help if they need it.”
The information covers how to ensure you are receiving all the forms of social security that you are due. Advice on receiving the £400 energy discount and understanding your rights as far as the energy providers go. There is also advice on existing charities and trusts that supply grants on various criteria including disability.
Nik said:
“We are asking for the government to take much bolder action to ease the financial situation for spinal cord injured people immediately and over the coming months. Without greater intervention many disabled people simply will not be able to pay for the energy which they require throughout the winter. Until that action is taken there is only limited help available to disabled people facing ever increasing fuel bills.”
