Access extra support

Help the tenant access financial support to reduce energy costs and make a referral for specialist advice.

Look for any grants or financial support the tenant might be eligible for and help them to apply. If the tenant has multiple debts or complex issues you could refer them for specialist advice.

Help from the government

Check if the tenant can get help from the government.

Warm Home Discount

Check the tenant's benefits, household income and council tax band.

The tenant may be eligible for £150 off their electricity bill if they are:

• if they receive the guarantee credit element of pension credit

• on a low income and meet the energy providers criteria

Help the tenant check their availability and contact their supplier if they need support.

Read more about government help with energy bills at Gov.uk.

Cold weather payments

Some people can get a daily payment if the average temperature in their area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees Celsius or below over 7 consecutive days.

Read more about cold weather payments and check eligibility at Gov.uk

Check local energy charities and community schemes

Many areas have charities or community organisations that can help with hardship caused by fuel poverty. They could help with:

• fuel vouchers

• electrical appliances

• local or government payments like the household support fund

Check the local authority's website or search for an advice directory for the area.

Use a grant search tool

Use a grant search tool to look for financial support, for example:

• Turn 2 Us

• Government find a grant service

Help with energy bills or prepayment meters

If the tenant is struggling to pay their bill or top up their meter they may be eligible for a fuel voucher from a local organisation.

Fuel vouchers are usually issued by:

• local food banks

• local authority

• Citizens Advice

Fuel Bank Foundation

If the household is struggling to top up their prepayment meter, the Fuel Bank Foundation provides fuel vouchers to add credit to a gas card or electricity key.

Find out more about fuel bank foundation at Fuelbankfoundation.org

Hardship funds

Some energy providers have hardship funds that can help with clearing arrears, support in an emergency and buying essential household appliances.

Check if the tenants energy provider has a hardship fund and:

• gather income evidence and supporting documents

• support the tenant to make an application

Fuel grants are available from:

• British Gas energy trust individual and families fund

• EDF energy customer support fund

• E.ON Next energy fund

• Octopus assist fund

• Ovo energy fund and extra support

• Utilita helping hand fund

The British Gas Energy Trust will consider applications from people who have applied to their own energy provider and have been declined.

Find out more about how to apply at British Gas Energy Trust.

Refer for specialist advice

Consider making a referral if the tenant:

• has multiple or priority debts

• can't manage repayments

• is struggling to balance a budget

• has needs related to a disability

Citizens Advice can provide support for people by administering grants on behalf of energy providers and advising on consumer rights and energy complaints.

Read more about consumer support for energy at Citizensadvice.org.uk

Scope provide energy support for disabled clients who need advice or advocacy regarding energy and fuel poverty.

Find out more about disability energy support at Scope.org.uk.