How can I access top energy support schemes in the UK?

What are energy support schemes?

Energy support schemes are programs that help people pay for their gas and electricity. These can be discounts on your bills, extra money in your bank account, or help to make your home warmer. The government and energy companies run these schemes to make sure everyone can afford to heat their homes.

Warm Home Discount

The Warm Home Discount scheme gives you £150 off your electricity bill in winter.

Cold Weather Payment

This scheme gives you extra money when it’s very cold.

What you get:

• £25 for each week of very cold weather between 1 November and 31 March

Who can get it?

• People who get certain benefits
• You might get it if you’re disabled or have young children

How it works:

• You don’t need to apply
• The money goes into the same account as your benefits
• You’ll usually get the money within 14 days of the cold weather

Winter Fuel Payment

This is a yearly payment to help older people with heating costs.

What you get:

• Between £250 and £600, depending on your age and living situation

Who can get it?

• People born before 26 September 1957 (state pension age)
• You must have lived in the UK for at least one day during a certain week in September

How it works:

• Most people get it automatically
• If you don’t get it but think you should, you can make a claim

Extra help for pensioners and people on benefits

The government is giving extra money to help with living costs, including energy bills.

Help from your energy supplier

Many energy companies have their own schemes to help customers who are struggling.

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Council and local support

Your local council might be able to help with energy costs.

Help for prepayment meters

If you use a prepayment meter for gas or electricity, there’s special help available.

Support for homes off the gas grid

Some homes, especially in rural areas, aren’t connected to mains gas. If this is you, there’s still help available.

Help for people with health conditions

If you have a health condition that means you need to use more energy, there’s extra support available.

Energy efficiency grants

Making your home more energy-efficient can help reduce your bills in the long term.

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Household Support Fund

The Household Support Fund is a government scheme designed to help people with their regular living costs, including energy bills.

Support for young people

Young people might face unique challenges with energy bills, especially if they’re living independently for the first time.

Child Winter Heating Payment

This is a payment available in Scotland to help with the heating bills of disabled children and young people.

What you get:

• £214.10 for winter 2023-2024

Who can get it:

• Children and young people up to age 19 who get certain disability benefits

How it works:

• Payments are usually made automatically
• You’ll get a letter if you’re eligible

Help with park homes and heat networks

If you live in a park home or are part of a heat network, there are specific schemes to help with energy costs.

Mental health and energy bills

Money problems, including struggles with energy bills, can affect your mental health.

Northern Ireland energy support

Energy support in Northern Ireland works a bit differently from the rest of the UK.

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Power cuts and emergency situations

If you experience a power cut or have an energy emergency, there’s help available.

What to do:

• Call 105 for information about power cuts in your area
• If you’re on the Priority Services Register, you’ll get extra support during power cuts

Post Office payments

Some energy support payments, like the Winter Fuel Payment, might be paid at the Post Office.

How it works:

• You’ll get a letter telling you to collect your payment
• Take ID to your local Post Office to collect the money

Remember: If you’re worried about your energy bills, don’t struggle alone. There’s lots of help available, and you might be entitled to more support than you think. Don’t be afraid to ask for help – that’s what these schemes are there for.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I can get help with my energy bills?

It depends on things like your income, age, and whether you get any benefits. Check the government’s website or speak to Citizens Advice to find out what you might be eligible for. You can use your postcode to find local support.

Can I get more than one type of help?

Yes, you might be able to get several different types of support. For example, you could get the Winter Fuel Payment and also apply for the Warm Home Discount.

What should I do if I can’t pay my energy bill?

Contact your energy supplier straight away. They can help you set up a payment plan or tell you about other ways they can help. Don’t ignore the problem, as it will only get worse.

How can I make my home use less energy?

There are lots of ways to save energy at home. Simple things like using energy-saving light bulbs and fixing draughts can help. You might also be able to get grants for bigger changes like insulation or a new boiler.

Is there any help if I use a prepayment meter?

Yes, there’s special help for people with prepayment meters. This includes emergency credit and fuel vouchers. Ask your energy supplier what they offer.

What if I get a text message about energy support?

Be careful of scams. Official schemes won’t ask for your bank details by text. If you’re not sure, contact your energy supplier directly using the number on your bill.

Can I get help if I have physical health problems?

Yes, if you have health conditions that mean you need to use more energy, you might be eligible for extra support. This could include being on the Priority Services Register or getting additional benefits.

How do heat network suppliers work?

Heat networks supply heat to multiple properties from a central source. If you’re part of a heat network, your supplier should be registered with Ofgem and follow their rules on fair pricing and service.