Sorting out Parent's Bills...

Roland_Flagg

My Mam (now 74) lives by herself and
pays her bills at the Post Office.

I would like to know the ways to get her her bills down.

If Direct Debit is cheaper, can the bills be paid from my bank account?
(she hasn't got one).

Is there pensioner rates I should be looking at?

Can I claim cashback for switching for him?
(through my Quidco account, or set up one for her?)

Anything else?

Thanks.

spiro

DD online is currently normally the cheapest and it could be paid from your bank account as far as I know.

These days 'eligible' groups tend to get refund payments (i.e. warm home discount) rather than cheaper tariffs.

macman

The bank account used for DD payments can be anyone's (assuming they consent of course). It doesn't have to be an account belonging to the customer, nor at the supply address.
Yes, some suppliers offer cashback for switching, rates vary frerquently.
There is no 'pensioner' rate.
Use a comp site with her annual kWh figures to find the best deal. A switch will then take 4-5 weeks.

Terrylw1

I suggest you look towards getting the bills accurate to actual readings.

If you to DD, then be prepared to monitor it strictly because suppliers can overcharge, undercharge and cause a large amount to settle quickly, etc.

Also, some have t&c's where they sweep outstanding balances at 12 months.

So, can you control this for your mum as she may find it stressful if the supplier does cause such issues?

BobQ

You could persude your Mum to get a current account and have her own DDs and a debit card. My Mum got her first current account when she was 80.