Get help to keep warm : UNISON’s 2022 winter fuel grant programme is now open.
It was announced this month that inflation rose to 5.4% in the 12 months to December. With the cost of living rising at the fastest rate for 30 years, UNISON understands the financial hardship many members face whether it be due to rising living costs, the removal of universal credit uplift or other inflationary pressures.
In addition, the possibility of added pressure on low-income households looms as gas and electricity costs look set to increase even further in the near future.
There for You’s winter fuel grant programme is designed to help our most vulnerable low-income members and to help ease the worry of paying for their next fuel bill. The programme opens for applications on 31 January 2022 and will offer grants of up to £200 for those who are eligible.
Important information
For 2022 There For You will be processing Winter Fuel Grants using an on-line application form*. Before applying, please read the following important information which should answer all your questions and explains the supporting documents you’ll need to include on applying.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be a UNISON member and have paid at least four weeks subscriptions at the time of applying. Subscriptions must be up to date.
- You do not have savings of more than £1000 this includes rolling bank balance.
- Only one application per household will be considered.
- You/your partner must be responsible for household fuel bills.
AND EITHER you are on a low income:
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- For a single person this means under £18,200 per annum/£350 per week
- For a family this means under £26,000 per annum/£500 per week
* Please note that proof of income will be required on submitting your application. Checks may be carried out to verify any information included in this application form.
OR you are in receipt of one of the following benefits:
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- Housing Benefit
- Universal Credit
* Please note that proof of benefit receipt will be required on submitting your application. Checks may be carried out to verify any information included in this application form.
What can I get help with?
We can help with a one-off grant of up to £200. We want to make this fund go as far as possible and help as many members as we can. Please only apply if you are in financial difficulty. There is a limited amount in the Winter Fuel Fund.
What supporting documents must I include with my application?
- You must include a copy of your most recent bank statement showing all transactions for a complete month for all accounts held including your partners if applicable.
In addition, if you are applying because:
- Your income is below the income eligibility thresholds, you must include the most recent payslip showing your usual salary (including for your partners if applicable)
- You are in receipt of one of the qualifying benefits, you must include 2021/22 award notification or highlight on your bank statement that the benefit is paid.
What happens if I don’t include supporting documents at the time of applying?
If you do not include the relevant supporting documents your application will be refused, and you will be asked to reapply.
What if I don’t know my membership number?
We cannot accept applications without a membership number. If you don’t know it, you can request your membership number here or contact the branch office to ask for this information.
How will you contact me?
Acknowledgement
Online applications will receive an automated message confirming your application has been received. If this doesn’t show in your ‘In-box’, please check your ‘junk/spam folders’. If you do not receive an acknowledgement that means your submission was unsuccessful in which case you should reapply.
Processing time
You should not expect to receive an immediate decision. We anticipate receiving many more applications than normal and it could take up to 8 weeks before you hear from us. Please do not send chasing emails as we will be unable to respond.
If I’ve received a grant in the last 12 months can I still apply?
Yes, you can although we will review previous applications and the amount of support you’ve received. This should not deter you from applying.
How do I apply?
Applying online is the quickest and easiest way to apply. Please make sure you can upload all the relevant supporting documents at the same time otherwise you will be told to reapply.
You should not try applying via a mobile handset as uploading documents will not work.
If you are unable to apply online, please email thereforyou@unison.co.uk with your address to request that a winter fuel grant application form be sent to you.
Other important information
As this is a limited fund, we cannot guarantee you will receive a payment even if you meet the eligibility criteria. It is therefore important that you apply as early as possible. Only applications with the relevant supporting documentation will be considered. The date of receipt of the application will be when we receive the completed for with all the supporting documents.
Any questions?
If you have any queries concerning these guidelines please email thereforyou@unison.co.uk.
We recommend you have the supporting documents ready to upload before starting your application as this will only take a few minutes to complete. You will not be able to submit an online application without these.
If you’re ready, Apply now for winter fuel grant 2022