Farmers can apply for £400 heating payments this winter

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 for support. 

Chris McVey, welfare manager at RSABI, said: “Rural properties can often be older and more challenging to heat, and with the ongoing 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.” 

How to get the support?

RSABI is urging people who are struggling with the cost of heating their homes to get in touch to find out more about this initiative and the other support services on offer.    

“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 identify other organisations which can provide energy efficiency advice for your home. 

“In cases where finances have become really difficult, we can also very quickly arrange a prepaid debit card to pay for grocery shopping. We can also arrange purchases for when household goods break down, and people are struggling to pay for replacement items,” Mr McVey added. 

RSABI also offers ongoing 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. 

Request the funding support by calling 0808 1234 555. An online assessment tool is available via RSABI’s website to check if you qualify, and RSABI’s case officers will support applicants through the process. 

#KeepTalking campaign 

With farmers facing tough working conditions throughout winter, RSABI is also encouraging people in the farming community to look out for one another via its #KeepTalking campaign. 

“A conversation with those around you could also help raise awareness of the services we offer to ensure those struggling to stay warm in their homes know that support is available, particularly older people and those living on their own,” Mr McVey concluded. 

Visit the RSABI website to find out more. To chat to a member of the team, please call RSABI’s freephone helpline on 0808 1234 555, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and calls will not show up on phone bills. All enquiries are completely confidential. 

You can also contact RSABI via live webchat on their website or send an email via helpline@rsabi.org.uk 

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