1. Prepare the documents
Gather pension decisions, income, expenses, rent or housing costs and energy bills. Separate consumption, tariffs, instalments and reconciliations. Note the urgent amount and due date. This helps an adviser distinguish a billing problem from an ongoing budget shortfall.
2. Check supplementary benefits
The FSIO explains that supplementary benefits depend on resources and recognised expenses. Ask the competent cantonal body for the conditions and documents relevant to you. Do not infer entitlement from age alone or a pension figure found online. Obtain an individual decision before including assistance in your budget.
3. Contact a social advice service
Pro Senectute provides free, confidential social advice for older people and their relatives. A regional office can assess financial questions and guide relevant applications. Any individual assistance requires assessment; the service is neither a promise to pay every bill nor a home energy audit.
4. Address an urgent bill
Contact the supplier promptly to clarify the bill and ask about payment options. Obtain the conditions in writing. In rented housing, distinguish your electricity bill from heating charges. Seek advice about a disputed bill or deadline; do not ignore a reminder while waiting for unconfirmed assistance.
5. Assess savings before buying equipment
Start with measured consumption, your contract and settings compatible with health and comfort. For equipment, request installed cost, maintenance, expected savings and required consent. Tenants should check installation rights. Do not commit a reserve for essential expenses to a battery or panel solely on the basis of advertised savings.