This may mean some of you will become eligible and in other cases some of you may not as you had done previously.

How is the scheme different from previous years?

One of the main changes is that households who meet the eligibility criteria are now guaranteed a payment. Previously, the scheme operated on a first come, first served basis, with only a limited number of discounts.

In addition, those who qualify no longer need to make an application. The discounts are made automatically.

However, the use of a high energy score for properties means that some of you may be less likely to qualify than in the past. In addition, fuel companies will no longer have the discretion to extend the discount to other groups who don’t get one of the means-tested benefits. In the past, some energy suppliers would allow families in receipt of Disability Living Allowance to apply, even if they were not on means-tested benefits. [Information sourced from: https://contact.org.uk/…/new-warm-home-discount-scheme…/]

If your property has a high energy cost score. You will only qualify if the government considers your property to have high energy costs.

In looking at this issue, the government will look at three main factors: the property type: its age; and its floor area. This will be made based on information about your property held by the Valuation Office Agency.

Where there are changes you are being asked to contact the helpline but we are being informed that when trying to make contact it can take ages to get through. We have even tried ourselves and it does take some time so please do persevere as you will get through at some point. They have said the best times to call are about 4pm.

I have noted below further information that might help. And as always if you need to get in touch with us then please do.

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/benefits-entitlements/warm-home-discount/

Our doors will open at 11am until 2pm tomorrow and will be every Wednesday until the end of March for our ‘Winter Warmer’. So please call in, even if just for a cuppa, or some take away soup, or stay for the whole time if you you wish. We would love to see you.

Tomorrow: Wednesday 25th January 2023 there will also be some live music from 12.30pm thanks to the students of Leeds University LUU Music Impact in the Community – LUUMIC. They joined us in December and are looking forward to being with us again.

Venue: Caring Together premises, 127 Woodhouse Street.

Time: Drop in any time between 11am and 2pm (soup usually served from around 12 noon)

Our offices are now closed for the festive season returning on Tuesday 3rd January 2023. 

Sending you some kindness and support throughout the holiday season from all at Caring Together. Wishing you all a peaceful and safe holidays.  

Following our Annual General Meeting we would like to share with you our 2022 Annual Report

If you would like a paper copy please let us know and we can send one to you.

Caring Together, in partnership with Leeds Older Peoples Forum are pleased to be able to offer to members an invite to a Let’s Talk Transport Event

This will be held on Monday 28th November and will involve a Visit via electric bus to the White Rose Shopping Centre:

Pick up will be from Charing Cross in Woodhouse at approx… 10am, arriving at the White Rose at approx… 10.30am. The return journey will start at approx… 1.30pm.

The bus can accommodate one stationary wheelchair and multiple fold up chairs with passengers seated on seats.

There are spaces available for 9 more people. These are likely to be taken up very quickly so contact us soon if you are interested.

Visit to consist of:

• Free lunch of Fish & Chips from Graveleys
• William Merrit to provide mobility equipment to travel through the centre.
• Visit Shopability store and White Rose representative to discuss facilities and available support whilst shopping at White Rose
• Brandon to represent First Bus and say a few words around customer experience 
• Return back to the bus with a demonstration of how an electric wheelchair or type 2 mobility scooter can safely board a bus.

NOTE: This is not a shopping trip and staff will be unavailable to attend on the day.

• Winter fuel payments – to those who were at state pension age on 26th September 2022. This year it will include an extra £300, so the total payment will be either £500 or £600 per household. You will get this automatically into the same bank account as your pension and they should mostly be paid in November or December. If you are eligible and have not received the payment by 13th January 2023 you can contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160

• The second instalment of the cost of living payment is due to be paid between now and 23rd November. This payment is £324 and is paid to people receiving Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Income Support. It will be paid automatically. For people receiving only Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit the payment will be a bit later and will start from 23rd November.You must have been entitled to the benefit on at least one day in the qualifying period – 26th August -25th September 2022.

….our window seems to have been taken over by creepy creatures!

Some of our members had fun making these last week.
If you want to know more about other activities please get in touch