Islanders reminded of winter fuel allowance and financial support
- Winter Fuel Allowance of £50.48 per week will be paid automatically to eligible Income Support recipients from 30th October for 26 weeks
- Extra Needs Allowance of up to £20 per week available to those with illness, disability or health conditions requiring additional spending
- Reduced Winter Fuel Allowance available to households with income no more than £50.48 above Income Support limit
- Help with medical costs including GP visits, prescriptions and dental charges available to those whose income falls outside Income Support levels by up to £80 per week
- Income Support team available on 221000 or [email protected] for enquiries about available support
Employment & Social Security has reminded islanders of financial support available as winter approaches, including the Winter Fuel Allowance and other assistance schemes.
The Winter Fuel Allowance will be automatically paid to all eligible householders receiving Income Support for 26 weeks from the end of October. This year, payments will commence from 30th October at £50.48 per week.
Islanders receiving Income Support who have an illness, disability or health condition requiring additional spending on energy, laundry, clothing, food or diet costs may qualify for an Extra Needs Allowance of up to £20 per week.
Support is also available to those who do not qualify for Income Support cash benefits. Households whose weekly income is no more than £50.48 above the Income Support limit may qualify for a reduced Winter Fuel Allowance.
Help with medical costs, including prescriptions, is available to households whose income falls outside of Income Support levels by up to £80 per week, provided their savings are under defined limits. Medical and para-medical costs that can be covered through the scheme include visits to GPs, physiotherapists, osteopaths, chiropractors, chiropodists, dentists and prescription charges.
In exceptional circumstances, medical cover can be provided even if weekly income exceeds the Income Support level by more than £80 per week. The Income Support team establishes this need on an individual case-by-case basis.
Deputy Tina Bury, President for Employment & Social Security, said: "The winter period can be a challenging time of year financially, especially for households most in need. We want to make sure that anyone who may be entitled to support knows what help is available and how to access it. If you are financially struggling, I strongly encourage you to contact our Income Support team to explore these, and other, options that may be available to you."
Further information can be found on the Benefits, Allowances & Support section of www.gov.gg. The Income Support team are available for enquiries by telephone on 221000 or by email at [email protected].
Q&A
Q: When does the Winter Fuel Allowance start and how much is it?
A: The Winter Fuel Allowance payments commence from 30th October 2026 and will be £50.48 per week, paid for 26 weeks until the end of April.
Q: Can I get help with medical costs if I don't receive Income Support?
A: Yes, if your household income falls outside Income Support levels by up to £80 per week and your savings are under defined limits, medical and para-medical costs might be covered. In exceptional circumstances, cover can be provided even if income exceeds the limit by more than £80 per week.
Q: How can I find out if I'm eligible for support?
A: You can contact the Income Support team by telephone on 221000, email [email protected], or visit the Benefits, Allowances & Support section of www.gov.gg for more information about eligibility and available support schemes.
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