money going out the window

lplsstone

I need some help regarding double glazing schemes, i currently have single glazed windows which have been here since the property was built in the 60s, my windows are in a terrible state with most of them having large cracks,i even had one window blow in last year which i have had to replace with a perspex panel, the problem i have is as a result of this my energy bills are sky high as the heat within my home is literally going straight out the windows, i have received loft insulation and cavity wall from my energy supplier last year but this hasnt made a difference to my bills, at the minute i simply cannot afford the energy bills and have already accumlated arrears, is there any help i can receive in getting my windows replaced, i have tried to apply for finance to get the windows done but i have been rejected as i am currently unemployed, since being made redundant last year i have incurred a bad credit rating, due to the fact i am now on benefits and can only pay £1- £2 a month off most of my debts, i have no savings left and things are very tight as i am a single mother raising 2 children, i have contacted my local council and they cannot help, surely there is some scheme that can help, if i lived in a council house i would receive help but as i have a mortgage there is noone willing to help, i have recently had my house valued with the prospect of selling but my house has negative equity so thats another brick wall ive hit, i dont know what else i can do, any help is much appreciated, thanks

HappyMJ

There is no help. You could put thick insulated curtains on the windows. Or install secondary glazing....but as you have little money there is little you can do. The heat lost through a few square metres of windows isn't much. It won't reduce your bills as dramatically as you seem to think.

What are your usage levels on your electricity and gas in kWh per year?

What tariff are you on?

What boiler/heating system do you have?

NeverInDebt

Councils do have grants available however it would depend on your circumstances whether you fit there criteria and or often there is a charge on your property when you sell as you say you live in negativeit eqiaty this possible could impede any help. Cotact your local council the grants are "home repair assistance"

For example

http://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/browse/housing/improvements-and-repairs/housing-grants/hra.htm

Owner-occupiers and tenants can apply for Home Repair Assistance Grants for work that falls into any of the following categories:

• adapting or improving a dwelling for the benefit of a person with a disability*
• removing or moderating a serious hazard in the home
• carrying out repairs or improvement to a dwelling
• improving the safety and security of a home, for example, by installing door chains, door and window locks, and smoke alarms. This assistance is only available to people aged 60 years or over, and to families with a resident child aged five years or under
• installing or adapting a central heating system were no other grant schemes are available.**

We may refuse an application from a tenant where the landlord is responsible for carrying out the proposed work.
The maximum amount of assistance is £5000 for work described in the category marked * above, and £2000 for all other categories.
To qualify for assistance, the applicant must be in receipt of one of the following benefits:

• Income Support
• Council Tax Benefit
• Housing Benefit
• Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
• Minimum Income Guarantee

Even living in a council property does not mean it you get help straight away

You say your a single mother with 2 kids cant you previously partner help after all its benefit to his children. Not passing any judging here on you mealy suggesting that if he could help