Energy Bill Discounts for PIP and Attendance Allowance Benefits

Campaigners are urging the government to introduce a new energy bill discount for disabled individuals, emphasizing the pressing need for immediate action due to a significant rise in energy costs.

Urgent Call for Energy Bill Relief for Disabled Individuals

Charities highlight an urgent need following a planned 10% increase in the price cap tariffs effective from October 1. This increase can significantly impact the lives of disabled individuals.

Guidance from Ofgem

The industry regulator, Ofgem, advises everyone to fully utilize any state benefits they qualify for, as these can assist with energy bills as well as mitigate the broader cost of living. Ofgem’s recommendations aim to provide immediate relief amid rising living expenses.

Need for Targeted Government Support

Richard Lane from the debt charity StepChange emphasizes the necessity for the government to offer targeted support for those most affected. He urges the introduction of specific measures to assist struggling households.

Impact on Disabled Households

Households with individuals who receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Attendance Allowance are particularly worried about the anticipated hike in energy bills. These families often need additional heating or electricity to power essential equipment.

Concerns Surrounding Winter Fuel Payment Changes

Anxiety is mounting due to imminent alterations to the Winter Fuel Payment, which exclude PIP and Attendance Allowance recipients. This has prompted charities to advocate for the Labour party to propose special tariffs for the most vulnerable, as reported by Birmingham Live.

Advocacy for a Social Tariff

Scope, a leading charity, has been vocal about the need for an affordable social tariff for disabled individuals who face elevated costs due to specialized equipment and additional electricity requirements. James Taylor, Scope’s executive director of strategy, highlighted the critical situation, stating, “After three years of sky-high energy bills, this further hike will be disastrous for disabled households.”

Dire Situations and the Need for Immediate Action

Taylor further explained, “Since the start of the huge rises in bills, we’ve heard from disabled people rationing wheelchair use and going without food. For those who rely on electrical equipment to help them breathe, this is a cost of breathing crisis.”

Emphasizing the urgency, Taylor stated, “Disabled households are now beyond breaking point. They have cut back everything they can and have been driven into debt. The government must intervene and bring in discounted bills for disabled households.”

Scope pointed out, “Disability benefit payments like PIP are intended to help mitigate these costs. However, even with PIP, the average disabled household faces extra costs of £975 per month.”

Staggering Extra Costs for Disabled Households

These extra costs increase to £1,248 per month for households with two disabled adults and at least two children. For households with one disabled adult, one non-disabled adult, and at least one child, the additional cost is £634 per month.”

The charity stresses that addressing the added cost of disability requires comprehensive action on multiple fronts.