We know that the UK is in the midst of an energy crisis, and that your bills may be going up a lot. We want you to feel comfortable in your home, so we’ve made a list of available resources out there to help you.
Government schemes to support you
Household Support Fund
£421 million has been made available to County Councils and Unitary Authorities in England to support those struggling this winter. Contact your local authority to see if they have any availability to help you.
Council Tax Rebate
The council tax rebate will provide a payment of £150 to households living in council tax bands A – D. Many people who pay their Council Tax by Direct Debit will have already received this. Local Authorities must have made these payments before the end of September.
If you are liable for Council Tax but don’t pay by Direct Debit your Local Authority should be in touch shortly to get the money to you.
Not eligible for the rebate?
Councils have been given a discretionary fund to help people who don’t qualify automatically.
Each council will develop and publicise eligibility criteria and the claims process for this funding. Contact your local authority for information on how to apply for this.
Energy Bills Support Scheme
From October all households with a domestic electricity connection will automatically receive a £400 grant.
This will appear as a credit from your energy supplier on your electricity bill.
What if I pay by Pre-Payment meter?
All households will be eligible for this payment. The government are still consulting on the best way to get this to households, but it is likely to take the form of vouchers.
Cost of Living Payment
A £650 one off payment is being made to all people who are in receipt of:
- Universal Credit
- Working or Child Tax Credits
- Income Support
- Income Related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Based Job Seekers Allowance
- Pension Credit
The payment will be made in two lump sum payments starting 14th July 2022 with the second payment being made in October.
An Extra £150 payment will be made to people in receipt of disability benefits including:
- Disability Living Allowance
- Attendance Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment
Winter Fuel Payment
If you were born on or before 25 September 1956 you could get between £250 and £600 to help you pay your heating bills. This is known as a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’. Find out More
The amount you will receive depends on your circumstances. A breakdown can be found here.
Cold Weather Payment
If you meet certain requirements, you’ll get a payment if your area is recorded as, or forecast to be zero degrees Celsius or below over seven consecutive days. You’ll get £25 for each seven-day period of very cold weather between 1 November and 31 March.
To be eligible, you must be getting one or more of the below:
- Pension credit
- Income support
- Income-based jobseeker’s allowance
- Income-related employment and support allowance
- Universal credit
- Support for mortgage interest
If you’re eligible, you should receive the payment directly. Tell the Pension Service or Jobcentre Plus if you think you should’ve received the payment and you haven’t.
Working from home tax relief
If you have worked from home at any point in the past year, you can make a claim for tax relief which can help towards energy bills. It’s not an option if your employer has been giving you cash towards cost, but if not, you could receive £62.40.
You can apply here.
Other options
Contact your supplier
Some energy suppliers have hardship schemes for those in debt, so it might be worth contacting your energy supplier directly to see if they can help out if you’re struggling.
Charis
Charis Grants was launched to support those in financial difficulties struggling with energy bills. They have lots of information available on grants and schemes that may help you reduce your bills.
Home energy grants
Find out if there are any local grant schemes that may help reduce your energy bills.
Advice and guidance
There are lots of websites that offer advice and guidance on how to cut down your energy use and save money.
- Energy Saving Trust share hints and tips on cutting down your energy use and has information on savings and grants available.
- Energy Helpline provides advice and tips on switching suppliers and what options are available to you.
- Citizens Advice Bureau share advice on energy use and has information on savings and grants available.
- National Energy Action is the national charity working to end fuel poverty in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
- Centre for Sustainable Energy have trained, and independent energy advisors who offer free advice on home energy use to those in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Somerset (including the unitary authorities of North Somerset and Bath & North East Somerset).
- Energy Alton give practical advice on how to save energy and reduce fuel costs to those living in the Alton area.
- The Environment Centre - help local residents in Southampton, Hampshire and Portsmouth by providing tailored advice and practical support on energy.
- Simple Energy Advice – impartial and independent Government endorsed advice on reducing energy bills and how to make your home warmer.
- Hampshire County Council – Hitting the Cold Spot – providing advice on how to stay warm and save money during winter to those living in Hampshire.