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Worried about rising energy bills?

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

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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.

household bills icon More help with the rising cost of living

The current cost of living crisis and rise of energy prices in the UK means that millions or people are now struggling to cover essential household costs.

On 26 May 2022, the Chancellor announced new support measures to help with the cost of living. There has been an expansion to the Energy Bills Support Scheme, one-off payments are being made to those on means-tested benefits, along with further support for pensioners. Visit our cost of living guide for more information.

We've also put together guides on how to deal with gas and electricity arrears

Money back on your council tax

Between April 2022 – March 2023, you'll get a £150 payment from your council if you pay council tax and are in council tax bands A – D or get the Disabled Band Reduction discount and your home is in bands A to E.

Check your council tax band on GOV.UK

They must make the payment before 30 September 2022.

If you pay your council tax by direct debit

Your council will pay £150 directly to your bank account.

If you don't pay by direct debit

Your council will contact you to ask for bank details. It may take them longer to make the payment.

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.

Government energy loan 2022

The government have announced a £200 discount on household energy bills in October 2022. The discount will be given as a loan and will have to be paid back over the next 5 years from April 2023, to spread the cost of the increase in the energy price cap.

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.