RSABI Heating Payments Available to Farming Community

With many farming and crofting families worrying about the cost of heating their homes this winter, RSABI is reminding the agricultural community about its Help for Heating payments which provide a minimum of £400 to help heat your home.

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 to request the funding support via 0808 1234 555. 

An online assessment tool is available via RSABI’s website www.rsabi.org.uk/support-service/help-for-heating to check if you qualify, and RSABI’s case officers will support applicants through the process.

“Rural properties can often be older and more challenging to heat and with the on-going 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,” said Chris McVey, Welfare Manager, RSABI. 

“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.” he added.

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 identifying other organisations which can provide energy efficiency advice for your home,” said Chris.

“In cases where finances have become really difficult, we can also very quickly arrange a pre-paid 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.”  

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.

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,” said Chris. 

Visit the RSABI website www.rsabi.org.uk 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 won’t show up on phone bills. All enquiries are completely confidential.

You can also contact RSABI via live webchat on their website www.rsabi.org.uk or send an email via helpline@rsabi.org.uk (monitored during office hours).