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

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Hatty2021
Hatty2021 Online Community Member Posts: 4 Listener
edited October 2021 in Benefits and income
Hello I was wondering if anyone has any advice on how to afford Bill's when I'm on benefits 

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  • janer1967
    janer1967 Online Community Member Posts: 21,922 Championing
    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
    Hatty2021 Online Community Member Posts: 4 Listener
    Hello just all Bill's really like water,gas and electric 
  • janer1967
    janer1967 Online Community Member Posts: 21,922 Championing
    Do some research into swapping suppliers see if you can get cheaper 
  • Hatty2021
    Hatty2021 Online Community Member Posts: 4 Listener
    Thank you
  • Cher_Alumni
    Cher_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 5,714 Championing
    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_Alumni
    Ross_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,611 Championing
    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.
  • MarkM88
    MarkM88 Online Community Member Posts: 3,119 Connected
    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-
  • Hatty2021
    Hatty2021 Online Community Member Posts: 4 Listener
    Thank you everyone for your replies massive help to me means a lot :) xx
  • Luna51
    Luna51 Online Community Member Posts: 297 Empowering
    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
    chiarieds Online Community Member Posts: 17,071 Championing
    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.

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