Hi, I'm Hatty2021! How can I save money on bills whilst getting benefits?

Hatty2021 · June 21

Hello I was wondering if anyone has any advice on how to afford Bill's when I'm on benefits

janer1967 · June 21

Hi there

What bills are you referring to

One tip is to make sure you ate in the most competitive tariff for energy

Make sure you are getting all benefits you are entitled to try a benefits calculator

Be careful how you spend

If you have debts you are paying speak to the lender and explain your situation and negotiate an affordable payment plan

Hatty2021 · June 21

Hello just all Bill's really like water,gas and electric

janer1967 · June 21

Do some research into swapping suppliers see if you can get cheaper

Hatty2021 · June 21

Thank you

Cher_Scope · June 23

Hello @Hatty2021 and a warm welcome to our online community. How are you keeping?

Scope have a 'Budgeting to stay out of debt' webpage that gives lots of advice on this topic. Plus, we have a free Disability Energy Support Service which is open to anyone disabled living in England or Wales. You can book an appointment using this register link and will be able to speak with a friendly advisor for 45 minutes about ways to reduce your energy bills, in addition to:

switching tariffs or supplier

changing your meter

energy efficiency

accessing energy benefits, grants and trusts

contacting or complaining to your supplier

understanding your gas or electricity bills

understanding how to use your heating systems

Here's a link to Scope's benefits calculator too, to double check you are getting everything you're entitled to.

Are you coping okay food-wise? Please let us know if you need any more help and we'll do our best to support you.

Just to let you know, I've amended the title of your thread and moved it to our Finances and extra costs category, which is a good place to browse for other members tips and stories. Take care and speak soon.

Ross_Scope · June 23

Hi @Hatty2021

Welcome to the community.

Great question, saving money is somethign so many people are always trying to do and it's good to talk about methods of doing so.

I tend to shop around and compare really. I'm quite frequently looking at my current bills and considering hassle free ways of switching to a cheaper, or better value, provider.

It's worth having a look at comparison websites, and doing some budgeting to work out exactly what you can afford and how much you want to allocate to certain bills.

MarkN88 · June 23

Have you considered a water meter if its available? People often report there bills are smaller having one of those.

I'm not sure if you have broadband, but BT have a basic scheme, not sure if its any help?

https://www.bt.com/help/landline/getting-set-up/help-people-with-impairments-or-with-particular-needs/how-do-i-find-out-more-about-bt-basic-

woodbine · June 23

One good way of seeing where the moneys going and where you might save some is for one month write down everything you spend be it 50p or £50, then you can look back and see if it was all necessary or could you cut something down in future?
Another way to save money when shopping in the big supermarkets its to move one brand down, if you look at a display of e.g coffee at eye level will be the major brand names (usually the most expensive) look down and you will see their own brand usually considerably cheaper, look down again and see their own brand cheapest label.

Hatty2021 · June 23

Thank you everyone for your replies massive help to me means a lot

xx

Luna51 · June 23

Hi @Hatty2021

This is called the WaterSure Scheme and it might be helpful to you..

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/water/water-supply/problems-with-paying-your-water-bill/watersure-scheme-help-with-paying-water-bills/

chiarieds · June 23

Hi @Hatty2021 - & welcome to the community. It might seem obvious, but have you checked that you're receiving all the benefits you might be able to claim too. Please check here: https://www.turn2us.org.uk/

Another, perhaps different thing to look at, would you be able to grow some of your own food? When I was just living off my Disability Living Allowance, this helped me enormously, & I only have a small garden. It's amazing what can be grown in a few containers, & the taste is a bonus. I still grow tomatoes, courgettes, squash, many beans, leeks, miniature cucumbers, lettuce, spring onions, onions, garlic, beetroot, herbs, etc. Appreciate this isn't about bills, but can save you money.

Hi, I'm Hatty2021! How can I save money on bills whilst getting benefits?

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