Households struggling with energy bills encouraged to contact council

Households who are finding it hard to pay their energy bills have been encouraged to speak to their local authority.

According to pensions minister Torsten Bell, people struggling with the cost of living may be eligible for schemes such as:

• the household support fund
• the homes upgrade grant
• the energy company obligation

Furthermore, Mr Bell said people could be able to get a council tax reduction.

Government help also available

The pensions minister also stated that the government offers “an array of support with energy costs for low-income groups in the winter months”.

This, he said, includes:

• direct financial help to low-income pensioners through pension credit
• cold weather payments
• the warm home discount (in England & Wales)

Mr Bell added that winter fuel payments will continue to be paid to pensioner households with someone receiving pension credit or certain other income-related benefits. 

“They will continue to be worth £200 for eligible households, or £300 for eligible households with someone aged over 80,” he said.

Support for people with health issues and disabilities

Mr Bell went on to state that those with long-term health conditions or disabilities can also access support, such as personal independence payment.

“The ‘extra costs’ disability benefits, including personal independence payment, provide a tax-free, non-income-related contribution towards the extra costs people with a long-term health condition can face, such as additional heating costs,” Mr Bell said.

“They are paid in addition to any other benefits received.”

Don’t struggle alone

If you’re finding it hard to keep up with your energy bills, then it’s also worth speaking to your supplier about what help they can offer, such as reduced payment plans or grants.

It might also be a good idea to get free debt advice. 

We can check you’re claiming all the benefits available to you, offer budgeting advice and talk you through the range of debt solutions available. 

All our advice is free and impartial. Some debt solutions are also free, for others there are fees.