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Worried about rising energy bills?

We're here to help with free advice for dealing with your money worries.

Get help now

Government help with gas and electricity bills

There are several government schemes, including the Warm Home Discount Scheme, available to help with the rising cost of your gas and electricity bills.

Depending on your situation you may be able to get government help, including:

Gas and electricity bills are priority bills because if you fall into arrears and don't pay what you owe, you're at risk of your supplier cutting you off. If you're worried about missed payments, we're here to help you with free and confidential debt advice.

We're calling for immediate support from government, regulators and energy companies to help households cope with energy bills, inflation, and debt. Read more about the help we're asking for households this winter.

Cost of living support with the rising cost of energy bills

Energy Price Guarantee and Energy Support Scheme

The ‘Energy Price Guarantee’ announced by the Government will mean a typical UK household will now pay up to an average £2,500 a year on their energy bill. This is automatic and applies to all households. Find out more at Gov.UK.

£900 one-off Cost of Living Payment for those on means-tested benefits

The new £900 cash boost for over eight million eligible means-tested benefits claimants, including those on Universal Credit, Pension Credit and tax credits, starts in Spring and will go direct to bank accounts in three payments over the course of the financial year.

One-off £300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment

Households that receive the Winter Fuel Payment will get this on top of any other support they’re entitled to. This tax-free payment won’t affect any other entitlements.

For most people this will be paid by direct debit.

£150 Disability Cost of Living Payment

A one-off, tax-free payment will be made in September to people who receive the following benefits:

  • Disability Living Allowance
  • Personal Independence Payment
  • Attendance Allowance
  • Scottish Disability Benefits
  • Armed Forces Independence Payment
  • Constant Attendance Allowance
  • War Pension Mobility Supplement

It will be paid directly through benefits.

For more information visit Gov.UK.

An increase and extension of the Household Support Fund

The Household Support Fund, provided by local authorities, has been extended until March 2024.

The fund helps households most in need to pay for essentials such as food and utilities.

To find out more and apply, contact your local council

These one off payments won't affect your debt solution. You should use the money to help pay priority debts and bills.

Warm Home Discount Scheme

You could get £140 off your electricity bill or a £140 voucher for your prepayment meter if you're either:

  • on a low income
  • getting the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit

The Warm Home Discount Scheme is available between September and March. Your energy supplier will deduct the discount from your bill.

Find out more about the Warm Home Discount Scheme at GOV.UK.

Cold Weather Payment

Between 1 November and 31 March, you could get a payment of £25 every 7 days if the weather drops to or below zero degrees Celsius in your area.

You could get Cold Weather Payments if you're getting any of the following benefits:

  • Pension Credit
  • Income Support
  • income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
  • income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Universal Credit
  • Support for Mortgage Interest

You don't need to apply for Cold Weather Payments, they're automatically added to your benefits.

Find out more about Cold Weather Payments at GOV.UK.

worried woman reading paperwork

Worried about rising energy bills?

We're here to help with free advice.

Get help now

Winter Fuel Payment

You may be able to get a Winter Fuel Payment between £100 and £300 towards your winter heating bills. You may be eligible if:

  • you were born on or before 26 September 1955, and
  • you lived in the UK for at least one day during the week of 20 to 26 September 2021

If you're entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment, your other benefits won't be affected.

Find out more and how to apply for the Winter Fuel Payment at GOV.UK.

Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)

If you live in England or Wales and own your property, you may be able to get a government grant of up to £6000 for low carbon heating systems like heat pumps.

The scheme runs from 2022 until 2025

Find out more and check if you are eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme

I'm struggling with my gas and electricity bills. Can you help?

If you're struggling to manage your bills, get free debt advice online.