Are you caring for a family member or friend?
Many people are family carers and support someone who relies on them to collect shopping, prescriptions and other essential items. You may not identify yourself as a carer because you’re firstly a parent, a wife, husband, daughter, son, grandchild, friend or neighbour.
Reading Mencap has produced The Reading Family Carers Card, supported by Reading Borough Council. It’s available to carers for FREE and it will identify you as a family carer and help shorten the time you might have to spend queueing in a shop, pharmacy or even a health appointment.
Find out how to get the card and please share with anyone who it would be helpful for:
If you care for someone at least 35 hours a week, find out about Carer’s Allowance https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance embed link in copy
If you care for someone at least 20 hours a week find out about Carer’s Credit.
If you’re struggling with your caring responsibilities or want to find out about the support or benefits you’re entitled to, TuVida are there for you. Please call them on 0118 324 7333 or email: berkshirehub@tuvida.org
Savings on fuel costs from £28 to £300
You could save hundreds of pounds on your fuel costs. Below are a number of payment and voucher schemes; check the criteria to find out if you’re eligible:
Winter Fuel Payment £100 to £300. If you were born on or before 5 October 1954 you could get between £100 and £300 to help you pay your heating bills, if you receive certain benefits or a state pension you should get a Winter Fuel Payment to help pay for heating during winter. Call the Winter Fuel Payment Helpline on 0800 731 0160. Textphone 0800 731 0464.
Cold Weather Payment. If the temperature falls below zero for 7 days or more in a row between 1 November and 31 March you could be entitled to a Cold Weather Payment. If you are on a low income and receive certain benefits you may be entitled. If you qualify you should get this payment automatically. Call Job Centre Plus for further info: 0800 169 0190 / Textphone: 0800 169 0314
Warm Home Discount. A one-off discount of £140 off your winter electricity bill between September and March. The discount is taken off your electricity bill between September and March.
For further queries call 0800 731 0214. You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill, rather than your electricity bill if your supplier provides both your gas and electricity, contact your supplier to find out more.
Cheapest tariff for gas and electricity. If you receive disability allowances, benefits or tax credits you may qualify for your energy supplier’s Social Tariff – their cheapest tariff for gas and electricity. Get in touch with your energy supplier to find out more.