Heating payments available for the farming community
With many farming and crofting families worrying about the cost of heating their homes this winter, RSABI is reminding the agricultural community about its Help for Heating payments which provide a minimum of £400 to help with heating costs.
Working to help alleviate fuel poverty within the agricultural community, the charity - which provides emotional, practical and financial support - is encouraging people working in, or retired from, Scottish agriculture who are struggling with costs to contact them to request the funding
An online assessment tool is available via RSABI’s website www.rsabi.org.uk/support-service/help-for-heating to check application criteria, and RSABI’s case officers will support applicants through the process.
Chris McVey, welfare manager, said: “Rural properties can often be older and more challenging to heat and with the on-going cost-of-living challenge, many are facing mounting financial pressure. As the temperature drops, it’s important to make sure that you and your home are kept warm.
“Our Help for Heating payments are simple and quick to apply for and, with funding typically £400 per household, they are available to those spending more than 10% of their household income on heating costs.
“Our team are on hand to take you through the straightforward application process and can advise on other ways we might be able to help too, as well as identifying other organisations which can provide energy efficiency advice for your home.”
In cases where finances have become really difficult, a pre-paid debit card to pay for grocery shopping can also be arranged. RSABI also offers financial support through an Annual Beneficiary scheme, where anyone in need who meets the support criteria can receive regular payments to help top-up their income.
The charity is also encouraging people in the farming community to look out for one another via its #KeepTalking campaign.
Information can be found on the RSABI website at www.rsabi.org.uk or by calling RSABI’s freephone Helpline on 0808 1234 555.
You can also contact RSABI via live webchat on their website www.rsabi.org.uk or send an email via [email protected].