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High energy prices mean that many people are likely to need extra support.
This guide is here to help you know what financial support is available and what other organisations may be able to help.
Contact your energy supplier as soon as you can if you are worried you can’t afford your energy bills. Your supplier must take into account your circumstances, and work with you to agree on a payment plan. This is based on what is called your ‘ability to pay’.
You can ask for:
• a review of your payments and debt repayments
• payment breaks (if available) or reductions
• more time to pay
• access to hardship funds if available
Many energy suppliers offer specific grants from which they may be able to support customers in arrears.
Large suppliers offer non-repayable grants to those experiencing financial difficulties to help pay for their energy bills.
Criteria varies by supplier, most will require you to speak to a debt advice service before applying.
Visit your supplier’s website listed below to see what may be available.
The British Gas hardship fund is available to anyone regardless of who your current supplier is.
| British Gas Energy Trust | www.britishgasenergytrust.org.uk/grants-available/ | |
|---|---|---|
| **E.ON Next Energy | ||
| Fund** | http://www.eonnextenergyfund.com/ | |
| **EDF Energy | ||
| Customer Support | ||
| Fund** | http://www.edfenergy.com/PSR | |
| **Octopus ‘Octo Assist | ||
| Fund’** | https://octopus.energy/blog/struggling-to-pay/ |
The British Gas Energy Trust will consider applications for grants from anyone, regardless of who your energy supplier is.
They require you to seek professional money advice first and fund a number of local advice centres across England, Scotland and Wales which specialise in this, or you can try one of the charities in the ‘debt charities’ section
<aside> 💡 Further information and the online application form is available from British Gas
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Those on low incomes or who receive certain benefits may be eligible for help with energy saving improvements to your home.
You may get help with the cost of:
<aside> 💡 Information about grants to help to heat your home can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/improve-energy-efficiency
</aside>
The government has extended the Household Support Fund until 31 March 2026, providing £742 million to local authorities in England.
This money is used to support households most in need with the cost of essentials such as energy, food and water. Each council has its own set of rules for eligibility.
<aside> 💡 You can contact your local authority to see if you are eligible.
</aside>
If you live in Wales are in financial hardship, you may be eligible for a grant from the Discretionary Assistance Fund to help cover essential costs.
Further information is available at www.gov.wales/discretionaryassistance-fund-daf
Households most in need may be eligible for further support, including:
You may be able to get £150 off your energy bill (or added to your meter) if you get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit.
You may also be eligible if you’re on a low income and live in a property with a high energy cost score.
While most customers will be with a participating supplier, some suppliers are not required by Government to offer the Warm Home Discount.
You no longer need to apply to your energy supplier for the Warm Home Discount.
<aside> 💡 Further information on the Warm Home Discount is available here www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/faqs-warm-home-discount-scheme
</aside>
<aside> 🏴 For information that applies to Scotland, visit
</aside>
If you were born on or before 23 September 1958 you could be eligible to receive a £200 to £300 benefit called the Winter Fuel Payment.
The government has changed the eligibility criteria, meaning that means only those receiving Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits will receive it.
If you’re eligible, you’ll get a letter in October or November saying how much you’re entitled to.
A Cold Weather Payment is a £25 payment for every week when the average temperature for a postcode area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero or below, between November and March.
You may get Cold Weather Payments if you’re getting:
<aside> 💡 You do not need to apply as you’ll be paid it automatically. Further information is available at www.gov.uk/cold-weather-payment.
</aside>
Prepayment customers can access additional support beyond standard schemes.
You can request a fuel voucher from your local council, Citizens Advice or some food banks. These can be used at PayPoint, Payzone, or the Post Office to add credit to your meter.
Councils may also provide crisis grants, loans or extra vouchers to help with gas or electricity top-ups.
You can contact your local authority via www.gov.uk/find-local-council.
The Priority Services Register is a free service from energy suppliers and network operators for people who need extra support.
You are eligible if you:
You might still be able to register for other reasons if your situation isn’t listed. For example, if you need short-term support after a stay in hospital.