In the face of soaring energy bills, many people are struggling to stay warm or pay their energy costs. It’s crucial to know that there are various grants, benefits, and charities available in the UK to provide support during these challenging times. This guide outlines the assistance available and how you can access it.
Contact your supplier as soon as possible
If someone you care about is struggling with bills or prepayment meters then please contact their supplier as soon as possible – using the details provided on their bill or statement.
Many suppliers provide or contribute to helpful schemes for their customers. The range of support varies between companies and each has different eligibility criteria.
Two companies – Charis and Auriga – administer various support programmes and vouchers on behalf of multiple energy companies and charities. Their websites indicate the range of support which you might be able to access.
Helpful charities and trusts
The table below summarises some of the key organisations who might be able to help you.
| Charity Name | What can they offer Carents? | Contact details |
| Citizen’s advice | Free, confidential and impartial advice on energy, benefits and debt. | Visit: citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/ Call: 0808 2231133† Textphone: 118001 / 0808 2231133 Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. |
| Fuel Bank Foundation | A national charity providing financial support and practical advice.
Emergency financial support to households with a prepayment energy meter. Vouchers can be applied for through councils, food banks, energy suppliers or the Fuel Bank Helpline/email. See more at: https://aurigaservicesapp.co.uk/login.php |
https://www.fuelbankfoundation.org/ |
| HEAT Home Energy Advice Team: Wise Group | Expert mentors offer personalised, free advice and practical solutions to help you take control of your home energy costs and reduce financial stress.
Advice covers: billing issues, financial support, energy efficiency |
https://www.thewisegroup.co.uk/energy-advice/home-energy-advice/ |
| Green Doctor | Advice across utilities and social community support.
Help with managing fuel debt, cold and damp homes. Home visits used to address social isolation and help people move towards a greener lifestyle. |
https://www.groundwork.org.uk/greendoctor/ |
| National Energy Action(National Charity) | Offers advice and support to fuel-poor households
Advice and support on: Warm and safe homes, electrical item cost to use, how to read meters, what to do if struggling with bills |
https://www.nea.org.uk/ |
| The home heating hub | Provides free expert advice on energy upgrades to reduce your energy costs and lower your carbon footprint.Available in specified locations – see more https://www.homeheatinghub.org.uk |
https://www.homeheatinghub.org.uk |
| National Debtline | A debt advice service run by the Money Advice Trust covering: Debts such as rent or mortgage arrears Support if creditors take court action Help to budget better and maximise income |
Visit: nationaldebtline.org Call: 0808 808 4000† Open Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm. |
Government and Council support
Several government benefits are available to assist with energy costs:
Winter Fuel Payment:
If born before 23 September 1958 you could get either £200 or £300 to help you pay your heating bills for winter 2024 to 2025.
You must also live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland and get one of the following:
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- Pension Credit
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- Universal Credit
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- income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
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- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
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- Income Support
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- Child Tax Credit
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- Working Tax Credit
You’ll also need to have been getting a benefit during the qualifying week of 16 to 22 September 2024.
Cold Weather Payment:
You might be eligible for this if you get certain benefits and the temperature drops to zero degrees Celsius or below for 7 days in a row. The payment amounts to £25 for each 7 day period of very cold weather between 1/11/24 and 31/3/25.
See more here.
Warm Home Discount:
The Warm Home Discount Scheme is available as a one-off £150 discount on your electricity bills if you get Pension Credit or live in a low-income household with high energy bills.
See more here:
Council household support funds:
You may be able to get help with essential energy, water, food or clothing costs from your local council. This is sometimes known as ‘the Household Support Fund’.
The funding is aimed at anyone who is considered vulnerable or cannot pay for essentials. You do not have to be getting benefits to get help from your local council.
Local Councils decide how to run their schemes so the criteria and amounts vary across the country.
See more here: https://www.gov.uk/cost-living-help-local-council
Campaigning for lower bills and warmer homes
Fuel Poverty Action is a national lobby and campaign group promoting lower bills and warmer homes. They offer educational videos with plenty of “fuel for thought” – see more here.
Beware of Energy Scams
Sadly energy scams are becoming more common. Scammers may pretend to represent your energy supplier or official bodies like Ofgem or the Energy Saving Trust to extract money or personal information.
Help us to develop our content
Did you find this information helpful? Let us know what you think or pass on some advice to other carents by emailing us at [email protected]
November 2024
