Financial help with energy bills

Energy price increases are big news, and information changes frequently. We've summarised the extra help available here, but MoneySavingExpert is a great place to keep an eye on the very latest energy news and support.

Household Support Fund

Local authorities will make discretionary payments to people struggling the most to pay their energy bills, called the Household Support Fund. Local Authorities can decide themselves how this money is distributed so you will need to check with your local Council about whether you would be entitled to any additional help.

Scotland have been provided with additional funding to provide extra support to households too.

Warm Home Discount Scheme

The Warm Home Discount Scheme is a one-off £150 discount off your electricity bill.

If eligible, your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill. The money is not paid to you.

This payment will be applied to bills automatically in England. In Scotland, eligible customers will need to contact their electricity provider directly.

You may also be able to get discount off your gas if your supplier provides both. Contact your supplier to find out.

Find out if you qualify for the Warm Home Discount Scheme.

Cold Weather Payment (England)

Has the temperature been below zero degree celsius for the past seven days? You might be able to get a Cold Weather payment if you’re receiving certain benefits. The payment gives you £25 for every seven days the average temperature in your area is recorded as, (or forecast to be), zero degrees celsius or below.

Find out more, visit the government’s Cold Weather Payment website.

Winter Heating Payment (Scotland)

The Winter Heating Payment for 2024 - 2025 is £58.75 and is made to those in receipt of any of the following benefits: 

• Universal Credit
• Pension Credit
• Income Support
• Income based Jobseeker's Allowance
• Income Related Employment Support Allowance
• Support for Mortgage Interest 

You will be assessed for this based on your circumstances between 4th and 10th November 2024. Those eligible receive a letter from Social Security Scotland and the payment is made between December 2024 and February 2025.

Find out How Winter Heating Payment works.

• British Gas Energy Support Fund 
• Scottish Power Hardship Fund 
• Ovo Energy Fund
• E.ON Energy Fund
• E.ON Next Energy Fund 
• EDF Energy Customer Support Fund 
• Octopus ‘Octo Assist Fund’

If you can not get a grant from your own supplier, the British Gas Energy Trust may be able to help as it is open to everyone, not just British Gas customers.

Help with your water bill

Many water companies offer schemes to help people struggling to pay their bills. This could include a reduced tariff or flexible payment plans. Visit the voice for water consumers to find out more about help with my bills.