The Fuel Well scheme has already helped over 10 000 Dundee households with their energy costs and has now reopened to new applications.
So far the third phase of Fuel Well Dundee has funded just under £1 million to support people on a low income or who are already experiencing fuel poverty with energy costs.
It also provides a range of energy and debt advice, help with income maximisation and employability support.
Now the scheme is opening up to additional households who have not received a Fuel Well grant in the past 12 months.
Run by Dundee City Council, Scarf (Part of the Home Energy Scotland network) and Dundee Citizens Advice Bureau, the scheme reopened last Friday - 10th February - and will help :
• Single people and couples without children, who will receive a £100 award; and
• Households with children, who will receive a £150 award.
As well as the original focus on low-income families, this time there is a recognition that as the cost of living crisis continues to bite there is an opportunity to extend help to new families (both those in work or out of work) who fall into any of the categories below :
• Spending 10% or more of their total household income on heating their home.
• Struggling to deal with unmanageable debt alongside higher energy costs.
• Dealing with a disability or long-term health condition that means they spend more money on heating their home.
• Have seen their housing costs and energy costs rise to levels where they are having to take on long term debt or are in danger of missing rent or mortgage payments.
Full details of the revised eligibility and how to apply can be found on the council website at www.dundeecity.gov.uk/service-area/corporate-services/customer-services-and-it/fuel-well-dundee
As well as these direct payments, the scheme can help with short, medium and longer-term support from fuel advisers and welfare rights advisers. Information and assistance on how to apply for a Warm Home Discount application is also available.
Fuel Well advisers will also offer support in other areas of financial inclusion including energy advice, a benefits check and debt advice; where appropriate, consideration of referral for Discretionary Hardship Payments or to the council’s Hardship fund; and crisis grants and community care grants advice.