Help with heating costs
If you're struggling to pay your energy bills, government schemes and switching supplier could help you make a saving.
Grants and discounts
You may be eligible for discounts and grants if you're an older person or have a low income.
If you claim benefits, these schemes won't affect the amount you receive.
Warm Home Discount
You might qualify for a £140 discount on your electricity bill in winter if you either:
have a low income
receive the guarantee element of pension credit
claim certain other benefits
Find out how to apply on GOV.UK.
You can also call the scheme's helpline on 0800 731 0214 for more information.
Cold weather payments
You may qualify for cold weather payments if you get:
pension credit
income support
income-based jobseeker's allowance
income-related employment and support allowance
universal credit
The payments are made when temperatures drop below freezing in your area for 7 days in a row between the beginning of November and the end of March.
You receive £35 for each 7-day period.
You don't need to apply. Payments are made automatically.
Check GOV.UK to see if a cold weather payment is due for your area.
Winter fuel payment
The winter fuel payment is a grant of £100 to £300 to help older people with energy bills in winter. To qualify for the payment, you must have been born on or before 5 November 1953.
How much you get depends on your age, if you receive certain benefits and if you live alone or with others.
Visit GOV.UK to find out if you qualify.
Energy-saving improvements
You might be able to get help from your energy supplier to make your home more energy efficient.
Find out more information from Ofgem.
Switch energy supplier
You could save on your gas and electricity bills each year by changing your supplier.
If you rent your home, you won't need your landlord's permission to switch unless they pay your energy bills. However, it's a good idea to let them know who the new supplier is when you move out.
Price comparison sites are the easiest way to look at the deals from different suppliers. For example:
Find out more information from Ofgem about switching energy supplier.
Last updated: 16 October 2018
