Energy Support
Losing a loved one or caring for someone in the final months of their life can bring many challenges, including financial worries.
Managing household costs, like energy bills, might feel overwhelming during such a difficult time. Or it might have seemed unimportant while you were dealing with your grief, and you’ve now realised that you’re in a difficult situation with your bills.
We’re here to help you find the support you need. Whether you’re looking for guidance on available grants, energy-saving tips, or priority services, this page provides practical information and signposting to help ease some of the financial strain and give you one less thing to worry about.
What support can I get from my energy supplier?
Your energy supplier has a responsibility to support you if you are struggling to keep up with energy bills or owe money to your energy supplier.
You can speak to your energy supplier about:
- reviewing your payments (including debt repayments)
- payment breaks or reductions
- more time to pay your bills
- access to hardship funds
What assistance may be available?
There are many schemes and grants that exist to support people who are struggling with energy bills. Here are some of the available energy schemes and grants:
The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free UK wide service which provides extra advice and support, including when there’s an interruption to your electricity, gas or water supply. For more information, visit our page here.
Some energy suppliers offer a Warm Home Discount Scheme. This is a one-off discount on your energy bill. If you are eligible, your energy company will let you know.
The scheme in Scotland works slightly differently to the scheme in England and Wales. The Warm Home Discount Scheme is not available in Northern Ireland.
For more information, visit here.
If you’ve reached State Pension age and get certain benefits, you might be eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment. This is an annual one-off payment to help you pay for heating during the winter. Further information can be found here.
You may be eligible for a Cold Weather Payment when it’s very cold if you receive certain benefits. This is in the form of a one-off payment to help with extra heating costs. More information is available here.
If you can’t afford to top up your prepayment meter, you might be able to get a fuel voucher. Better Housing Better Health through the National Energy Foundation can support with assessing your eligibility for fuel vouchers. Make a referral at this page.
The Cold Weather Priority (CWP) scheme supports households that use heating oil and who can be prioritised during cold weather and heating oil shortages.
If you are over 75 years old, or have someone in your household who is over 75, you may be eligible for the Cold Weather Priority scheme. Speak to your supplier about whether they are a member of this scheme. Find out more information, visit here.
Better Housing Better Health through the National Energy Foundation
Citizens Advice (postcode search on this page to find your local Citizens Advice centre)
National Energy Action
Groundwork
Ofgem