As the nights draw in and temperatures fall, many households start thinking about heating bills, Christmas spending, and the rising costs of everyday essentials. Winter might feel a while away, but it always helps to be prepared, so here are our top tips for disabled people and carers to help manage the extra financial pressures of the season
BENEFITS CHECK
Ensuring you’re receiving all the benefits you’re entitled to is one way of reducing financial stress at this time of year. From higher energy usage to increased travel costs, it all adds up.
Over seven million UK households miss out on an estimated £24 billion in unclaimed benefits and social tariffs every year. Like many people, you may not know you’re eligible, or you may be worried about filling out complex application forms. Your benefit entitlement can change if your health has changed, you’ve got a new diagnosis, or your caring responsibilities have increased. So it’s worth reviewing things like PIP, Employment and Support Allowance, Universal Credit and Pension Credit – even if you’ve been turned down before, you might be entitled to these benefits now if your circumstances have changed.
Check out the Turn2us benefits calculator or contact Citizens Advice for support. Your local authority may offer a benefits advice line; they can also help you identify grants or local support you may not have considered. It can also be helpful to review your direct debits to ensure you’re not paying for subscriptions or services you no longer need.
HEATING UP
Disabled people face higher energy bills in winter due to the costs of keeping homes warm and running or charging equipment. Support like the Winter Fuel Payment for older people in England and Wales, the Warm Home Discount, the Cold Weather Payment, and – in Scotland – the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment and Child Winter Heating Payment can help. Many of these payments are triggered automatically so you don’t need to apply for them.
It’s also worth adding your details to the Priority Services Register which supports people who are disabled, chronically ill, or elderly. This offers priority support during power cuts, advance notice of planned interruptions, and extra help if your energy supply is disrupted.
If you’re worried about paying your bills, don’t wait until you’ve fallen behind. Energy suppliers have obligations when it comes to supporting customers who are in financial difficulty. They might be able to arrange affordable repayment plans, signpost grant schemes, or offer hardship funds. Remember – the sooner you ask for help, the more options are usually available.
SEASONAL SCAMS
It’s surprisingly easy to fall victim to scams and fraud – especially at this time of year, when we’re all trying to cut costs and bag a discount on gift shopping. Be aware of scams like fake parcel delivery texts, emails claiming you’ve missed an energy rebate, and callers pretending to be from your bank, the DWP, or your energy supplier.
Remember to never share your bank details, especially if you receive an unexpected text, call or email. If you’re not sure, contact the organisation directly using their listed phone number, or via their website. They’ll be able to confirm whether any correspondence was official or not.
4.2 million incidents of fraud were recorded in England and Wales in 2024-25. Don’t become part of the statistics – check out the Report Fraud website for advice and current scams to look out for.
THINK FESTIVE
The festive season can be expensive, so planning ahead can prevent money struggles in January. Set a realistic budget if you’re buying gifts, agree spending limits with family and friends, and spread out your gift buying so you don’t find yourself short of money. Although they can be tempting, don’t use buy now, pay later deals if you can’t realistically afford them. And remember, handmade gifts or simply time spent together can be enough of a present!
BE PREPARED
Winter can bring bad weather, making it harder to get out and about. If you rely on medication, use continence products or need specialist supplies, make sure you stock up, and avoid leaving repeat prescriptions until the last minute.
It can help to prepare your home for winter, as well as yourself. Bleed your radiators if you can, test your boiler, and make sure everything is working before temperatures drop. It’s useful to know where your nearest food bank and warm hub are (some local libraries and similar spaces offer a warm space and free hot drinks over winter). And keep important information to hand – make a note of emergency contact numbers, NHS details, your energy supplier’s helpline and key medical information, and keep them together somewhere easy to find.
STAY SMART
It’s helpful to know where to turn if things get tough. There are plenty of free, confidential sources of financial advice, including StepChange and Citizens Advice. These organisations can help you with budgeting, payment plans and personalised support. Your local authority may also offer hardship funds or welfare assistance. Seeking advice early helps prevent small financial problems becoming bigger.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
It can be very hard to save money, especially during a cost of living crisis. But setting aside a small amount of money each week can provide a buffer for any unexpected expenses that may occur. Some bank accounts offer a ‘round-up’ pot which automatically tops up every time you spend, or you could consider contacting your local credit union – check out findyourcreditunion.co.uk – to see if you’re eligible to start saving with them.