Government help for energy bills

With the cost of living having an impact on everyone's energy bills, understanding what help is available and which cost of living payments you're eligible for may help ease some of your worry.

What ongoing financial support is available?

If you're finding it hard to keep up with energy price increases this winter, you might be entitled to financial support.

Warm Home Discount

This is a one-off payment of £150 to help with the cost of energy over winter. It's usually added as credit to your electricity bill. You're entitled to this if you or your partner receive the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit or if you're on certain qualifying benefits and have high energy costs.

Find out more about the Warm Home Discount scheme

Winter Fuel Payment

The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual tax-free payment of £200 or £300 to help households with heating costs during the colder winter months. From 2024 onwards, to be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, you need to have reached State Pension age and also receive a qualifying means-tested benefit or tax credit award. Payment is made automatically, usually between November and December.

Find out more about Winter Fuel Payments

Household Support Fund

This is a payment to help those considered most in need with the rising cost of food, gas and electric, and water bills. Each local council decide their own eligibility criteria – though money should be specifically set aside for older people. Contact your council if you want to know more. 

What support can I get from my energy supplier?

If you're finding it difficult to keep up with energy bills or you owe money to your energy supplier, your supplier has a duty to help.

You can ask your energy supplier for:

• a review of your payments or debt repayments
• payment breaks or reductions
• more time to pay your bills
• access to hardship funds
• Priority Service registration.

You may be able to register for Priority Services depending on your circumstances, this includes if you're over State Pension age or if you're living with a disability. The Priority Services Register gives you access to a range of support, including priority assistance in an emergency, advance notice of planned power cuts and help with prepayment meter access and meter readings. 

Find out more about the Priority Services Register on the Ofgem website

Each energy supplier and network operator has its own Priority Services Register. You can register with both by phone or, for some companies, you can register online.

Find your energy supplier and your network operator on the Ofgem website

Some energy suppliers have their own special funding schemes or provide support through national schemes such as the Energy Company Obligation. These provide a range of financial support, debt relief, energy advice, and the installation of energy efficiency improvements which can help lower your bills. Check with your supplier to see what support you might be entitled to.

What other ways are the Government helping with energy costs?

The Government has some measures in place to limit how much people have to spend on their energy bills. 

Price cap on energy bills

The price cap applies to most households in Britain and it aims to protect customers by setting a maximum amount that suppliers can charge per unit of energy. However, it's important to note that bills are still based on your usage, so you may pay more or less than the price cap level. 

The cap is reviewed every 3 months, so it may change – you can check the current price cap level on the Ofgem website using the link below.

Find out more about the energy price cap on the Ofgem website