Benefits information is based on current DWP and HMRC rules. Entitlements depend on your personal circumstances. For free personalised help, contact Citizens Advice or call the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644.
Contents
Energy bills remain a significant expense for UK households. Here’s how to access help if you’re struggling and reduce your bills long-term.
At or above State Pension age (clawed back above £35,000 income)
Cold Weather Payment
£25 per cold week
Certain benefits
Local council crisis support
Varies
Crisis and Resilience Fund (England, from April 2026) or equivalent devolved scheme
ECO4 scheme
Free measures
Benefits/low income
Supplier hardship funds
Varies
Struggling customers
Warm Home Discount
Eligibility
Group
Criteria
Core group
Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
Broader group
On a qualifying means-tested benefit (England & Wales); the Broader Group route has been wound down in Scotland for 2026/27
How to Apply
If
Action
Core group
Automatic (no action needed)
Broader group
Usually automatic via DWP/HMRC data matching; some suppliers require an application
Payment: £150 credit applied to electricity account, typically between November and March.
Winter Fuel Payment
Who Gets It
Criteria
Amount
Born on or before 27 June 1960 (winter 2026/27)
£200 (under 80) or £300 (80 and over)
Living alone/with non-qualifying person
Full individual amount
Individual income over £35,000
HMRC reclaims the payment through the tax system
Living in Scotland
Paid as Pension Age Winter Heating Payment by Social Security Scotland instead
How It Works
Aspect
Details
When paid
November-December
How claimed
Automatic if receiving State Pension or over State Pension age
Clawback
Applied via PAYE/Self Assessment if individual income exceeds £35,000
Living abroad
Limited circumstances
Cold Weather Payment
Triggering Conditions
Criteria
Details
Temperature
Average of 0°C or below for 7+ consecutive days
Eligibility
Certain benefits (Pension Credit, UC with certain elements)
Amount
£25 per cold period
Payment
Automatic, within 14 working days of the qualifying period
ECO4 Scheme (Energy Company Obligation)
What’s Available
Measure
What’s Funded
Insulation
Loft, cavity wall, solid wall
Heating
Boiler replacement, heat pump
Other
Smart thermostats, draught proofing
Eligibility
Qualifying Criteria
On certain benefits (UC, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit, etc.)
Low income (below threshold)
In fuel poverty (provider assessment)
Living in least efficient homes (EPC D, E, F, G)
Note: ECO4 has been extended and is due to close to new applications by 31 December 2026, with no confirmed like-for-like successor obligation announced — check current status before relying on it.
How to Apply
Step
Action
1
Check eligibility via gov.uk or your energy supplier
2
Contact your energy supplier
3
Or find local installer
4
Survey of property
5
Measures installed
Supplier Hardship Funds
Major Supplier Funds
Supplier
Fund
Typical Help
British Gas
Energy Trust
Grants for debt
EDF
Customer Support Fund
Rebates, payment support
Octopus
Octo Assist
Flexible support
OVO
Customer Support Fund
Rebates
E.ON
Next Energy Fund
Debt relief
Scottish Power
Hardship Fund
Bill support
Fund names and availability change over time — confirm current details with your own supplier.
What They Offer
Help Type
What It Is
Debt write-off
Clear some/all arrears
Payment plans
Manageable instalments
Emergency credit
Prepayment meters
Benefits check
Identify unclaimed support
Energy efficiency
Free measures
If You’re in Debt
Your Rights
Supplier Must
Details
Offer payment plan
Affordable repayments
Explain all options
Debt support, grants
Not disconnect in winter
Extra protection for vulnerable
Give notice
Before enforcement action
Install prepayment meter safely
Strict rules
Getting Help
Step
Action
1
Contact supplier directly
2
Explain your situation
3
Ask about hardship support
4
Request affordable payment plan
5
Ask for benefits check
6
Contact Citizens Advice if no progress
Cutting Your Bills
Quick Wins
Action
Typical Saving
Turn thermostat down 1°C
£145/year
Switch off standby
£65/year
Wash clothes at 30°C
£28/year
Fill the kettle less
£13/year
Shorter showers
£95/year
Draught proofing
£125/year
LED lightbulbs
£65/year
These are commonly cited Energy Saving Trust-style estimates and vary by household — treat as indicative rather than guaranteed.
Medium-Term Savings
Action
Typical Saving
Cost
Switch tariff
£100-300/year
Free
Thermostat/TRVs
£150-200/year
£100-300
Insulation (DIY loft)
£200-300/year
£200-400
Smart meter
Better control
Free
Bigger Investments
Measure
Typical Saving
Cost
Payback
Cavity wall insulation
£300/year
£500-1,500
2-5 years
Loft insulation (pro)
£250/year
£300-500
1-2 years
New boiler
£200-400/year
£2,000-4,000
5-20 years
Solar panels
£300-500/year
£5,000-10,000
10-20 years
Heat pump
Varies
£7,000-15,000 (before any Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant)
Long
Prepayment Meters
Extra Help Available
Support
Details
Emergency credit
£5-15 when out of credit
Friendly credit
Won’t disconnect evenings/weekends
Extra care
Vulnerable customers
No standing charge period
Some suppliers offer
If Forced onto Prepayment
Your Rights
Details
Warrant required
Court process
Vulnerability check
Must assess before installation
Pay-as-you-go rates
Should be comparable
Emergency credit
Must be provided
Remove meter
Possible after debt cleared
Social Tariffs (Coming)
What’s Expected
Feature
Details
Discounted rate
For low-income households
Ofgem involvement
Setting criteria
Targeted support
More efficient than blanket help
Timeline
Under development — check Ofgem for the latest status
Priority Services Register
Free Extra Support
If You
Free Service
Are of pensionable age
Priority reconnection
Have disability
Advance notice of outages
Have chronic illness
Bill reading in accessible formats
Use medical equipment
Extra protection
Have young children
Priority in emergencies
Ask your supplier about the Priority Services Register — completely free.
Where to Get Help
Key Contacts
Organisation
Help With
Citizens Advice
All aspects, free advice
Ofgem
Supplier complaints
Money Helper
Debt advice
National Debt Line
Debt help
Turn2us
Benefits check
Local council
Local funds
Age UK
Pensioner support
Action Checklist
If Struggling with Bills
Step
Action
Notes
☐
Contact supplier
First port of call
☐
Request payment plan
Affordable amounts
☐
Ask about hardship fund
Debt relief
☐
Check benefit entitlement
Could unlock more help
☐
Apply for Warm Home Discount
If eligible
☐
Check ECO4 eligibility
Free measures
☐
Contact local council
Crisis/hardship fund
☐
Speak to Citizens Advice
If stuck
Key Takeaways
Contact supplier first — they have legal obligations to help
Check all benefits — may unlock more support
Warm Home Discount — £150 if you qualify
ECO4 scheme — free insulation/boiler possible while it remains open (due to close by end of 2026)
Hardship funds — every supplier has them
You won’t be cut off easily — strong protections exist