As the days get shorter and temperatures begin to fall, winter can bring additional challenges for many households. Higher energy use, seasonal spending, financial pressures and housing issues can all become more difficult when colder weather arrives.
Taking a few simple steps now can help you feel more prepared and know where to turn if problems arise.
1. Check Your Income and Benefits
Winter can put extra pressure on household budgets, making it a good time to ensure you’re receiving all the financial support you’re entitled to.
A change in circumstances, such as ill health, a reduction in working hours, caring responsibilities or reaching pension age, could mean you qualify for support that you’re not currently receiving.
Even a small increase in income or help with certain costs can make a difference during the colder months.
To find out what support you could be entitled to, see our Get Help page for how you can get in touch with us.
2. Plan Ahead for Energy Costs
Many households see their energy use increase during autumn and winter as heating and lighting are used more frequently.
If you’re concerned about paying your energy bills, struggling with existing arrears or worried about keeping your home warm, seeking advice early can often help prevent problems from getting worse.
Reviewing your energy use, checking payment arrangements and seeking support as soon as concerns arise can help you stay on top of costs throughout the season.
To find out what help you may be entitled to with your energy bills, fill in our Energy Refferal Form here.
3. Review Your Household Budget
Winter often brings additional expenses, from higher utility bills to seasonal spending and increased travel costs.
Taking time to review your budget now can help you identify areas where you may need extra support or adjustments in the months ahead.
If you’re finding it difficult to manage everyday costs or worried about debts, getting advice early can help you understand your options and feel more in control of your finances.
To find out what financial support you may be entitled to, visit our Get Help page for how you can get in touch with us.
4. Don't Ignore Housing Problems
Colder weather can make existing housing issues more noticeable. Problems such as damp, mould, heating failures, poor insulation or repair issues can have a significant impact on comfort and wellbeing during winter.
If you’re renting and experiencing problems with your home, or you’re worried about rent arrears, eviction or other housing concerns, it’s important to seek advice as soon as possible.
The earlier you take action, the more options may be available.
We have dedicated Housing specialists who may be able to help, complete our Referral Form and someone from the team will be in touch within 5 working days.
5. Know Where to Turn for Help
Even with careful planning, winter can sometimes bring unexpected challenges.
A broken boiler, an unexpectedly high energy bill, reduced income, illness, or difficulty affording essentials can quickly place extra pressure on households during the colder months.
If you find yourself struggling, it’s important to remember that support may be available. Local organisations, community groups and support services may be able to help with issues such as food, fuel, household essentials, financial hardship and wellbeing support.
Seeking advice early can often help prevent a difficult situation from becoming a crisis.
How Citizens Advice Bury & Bolton Can Help
At Citizens Advice Bury & Bolton, we provide free, independent and confidential advice on a wide range of issues including:
- Benefits and income
- Energy and utility costs
- Debt and money management
- Housing problems
- Consumer issues
- Employment concerns
If you’re worried about the months ahead, getting advice early could help you understand your options and access the support available to you. We can also signpost or refer to other organisations where appropriate.
Find out more about our services and how to get advice by visiting our website or contacting our team.
To access Energy advice complete our Energy Referral Form by clicking the button below.
Alternatively, click the get help button below to find other ways you can get in touch with us.