RSABI Urges Farming Community to Apply for £400 Heating Grant

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' grants which have increased to £400 this year.  

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

The charity, which provides emotional, practical and financial support to those working in the agriculture industry in Scotland, is encouraging people working in, or retired from, agriculture who are struggling with costs to contact them to request the grant via 0808 1234 555. An online assessment tool is available via RSABI’s website www.rsabi.org.uk.  

Chris McVey, Welfare Manager, RSABI said: 

“Rural properties can often be older and more challenging to heat and with changes to the Winter Fuel Payment alongside rising energy costs and the on-going cost-of-living crisis, many are facing mounting financial pressure. As the temperature drops, it’s important to make sure that you and your home is kept warm.”

“Our Help for Heating grants are simple and quick to apply for, with funding starting at £400 it is available to those spending more than 10% of their household income on heating costs and finding it difficult to afford essentials like food and clothing.”

“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. 

“In cases where finances have become really difficult, we can 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. 

As the winter draws in and farmers are faced with tough working conditions, RSABI is also encouraging people in the farming community to look out for others via its #KeepTalking campaign.  

Mr McVey said: 

“A conversation with those around you could really help us raise awareness of the services on 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.” 

 “As temperatures drop, it’s more important than ever that we look out for each other to ensure people are keeping warm over the winter months. 

“We know there will be many households out there who were managing, but now with the cost-of-living impact, fixed-term energy contracts ending, and increased home energy and input costs, financial pressure is growing which can cause stress and really start to impact on individuals’ mental health.” 

You can visit the RSABI website at www.rsabi.org.uk to find out more or, to chat to a case officer, call their 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. 

picture credit: atlasstudio via Canva