Are you eligible for help with your winter energy bills?
Struggling to keep your home warm in winter? You may be able to apply for one of these government schemes...
There's all sorts of help available if you need help with your winter energy bills. Let's break down these schemes to see if you're eligible...
Winter Fuel Payments
What is it?
The Winter Fuel Payment could give you between £100 and £300 each year to help towards your winter heating bills.
Who's eligible?
You are eligible for winter payments if:
- You were born on or before 5th August 1953
- You get the State Pension or another eligible social security benefit
Check out the government website for more information on how to apply and how much you may be eligible for.
Warm Home Discount
What is it?
The Warm Home Discount scheme helps eligible customers pay their winter energy bills. It gives you a one-off discount of £140 off your winter electricity bill, paid sometime between September and March each year.
Who is eligible?
You are eligible for the Warm Home Discount if:
- You get the Guarantee Credit pension credit
- You meet your energy supplier's low-income criteria
- Your energy supplier is part of the Warm Home Discount scheme
You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill (instead of your electricity bill) if your supplier provides both your gas and electricity.
Contact your supplier or visit the government website to find out more about the scheme.
Cold Weather Payment
What is it?
Cold Weather Payments are local grants. You can get one if the average temperature in your area is forecast to be, or falls below zero degrees Celsius for 7 days in a row.
If eligible, you could get £25 for each 7 day period of freezing weather between 1st November and 31st March.
Who is eligible?
You may be eligible for the Cold Weather Payment if you receive one of these benefits:
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Universal Credit
- Support for Mortgage Interest
Check the government website to find out whether Cold Weather Payments are up for grabs in your area.
Help paying off your energy debts
What is it?
If you've fallen behind on your energy bills, you might be eligible for a grant to help pay them back.
British Gas Energy Trust offer grants that are open to anybody. However, most trusts and funds are only available for current customers.
Which suppliers offer grants?
Who is eligible?
You will need to provide details about your financial information in order to apply for a grant, however eligibility may differ between suppliers.
Contact your energy provider to find out if you can apply.
Looking to make your home more energy efficient? There are a number of government grants that can help you reduce your carbon footprint and lower your home energy bills.