Savings for single occupant pensioner

jcuurthht

Recently my father passed away, leaving my 66 year mum living alone.

I've spent the last 3 weeks sorting the funeral and estate.

While my mum was on the phone to British Gas, they mentioned because she was over 62 and living alone, she may be entitled to some sort of benefit (not winter allowance from the Pension Service).

I'm wondering what other money saving options are available to pensioners living alone. My Dad has left her very comfortable, but savings are always welcome.

I already know about single occupancy coucil tax.

Many thanks.

Robin9

I don't know of anything re Utilities but Council Tax 25% reduction, ??

cranford

If she is not already on a Water meter you should look into this for her.
see
https://www.ofwat.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/prs_lft_101117meters.pdf

teddysmum

Many authorities contact you saying you may be eligible, but it's rarely the case unless you are on 'benefits' other than pension.

macman

Pension Credit?
Presumably she already gets free bus travel, free prescriptions, discounted rail travel with a Senior Railcard...
If she has certain disabilities, then some home improvements/mobility aids can be obtained without the VAT. For example, my mum was registered blind and got a new shower fitted VAT-free.
I'd second a water meter too.

JJ_Egan

Living alone gets very little in extras bar council tax .

House_Martin

There is the Warm Home Discount worth £140 off the electric bill. Eligibility changed recently but you need to get the guarantee credit element of pension credit and you re on a low income.
A lot of the smaller suppliers don t supply this but all of the big 6 do

teddysmum

Another for water meters. We are in our late 60s and saved a lot by having a meter fitted (after years of being convinced that the only saving was in fresh water charges and not sewage and drainage).


We ran for the first 6 months on an estimated monthly charge, much lower than we had been paying, based on assumed saving. However, even this was too much as we now pay just £3/month until we use up the surplus payments.

Joyful

HouseMartin

The guarantee element of Pension Credit is only for Core customers. Anyone else with an income of less than £16190 can apply. They may be on state pension, disabled, fuel poverty, child under 5, These categories may qualify under the broader Group.

Anthorn

jcuurthht wrote: »

Recently my father passed away, leaving my 66 year mum living alone.

I've spent the last 3 weeks sorting the funeral and estate.

While my mum was on the phone to British Gas, they mentioned because she was over 62 and living alone, she may be entitled to some sort of benefit (not winter allowance from the Pension Service).

I'm wondering what other money saving options are available to pensioners living alone. My Dad has left her very comfortable, but savings are always welcome.

I already know about single occupancy coucil tax.

Many thanks.

The two main ways of saving money on utilities for lone occupants who are low energy users are (1) a water meter and (2) a low or zero standing charge. I say "who are low energy users" because energy deals with a low or zero standing charge have a higher per unit rate.

One service which is aimed more at welfare than cost is the Priority Services Register. The two services which I personally think are most relevant are advance notice of disruption to services and meter reading where suppliers who usually require a customer reading will send a meter reader for every bill and not estimate it.

The energy company should offer the PSR but if they don't ask for it but you don't have to accept PSR registration if you don't want to.

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/consumers/household-gas-and-electricity-guide/extra-help-energy-services/priority-services-register-people-need