Nine ways to get help with bills when the weather turns cold

Despite a mild start to November, temperatures are set to drop below freezing starting this week, with snow predicted in some parts of the UK.

Once the temperature drops below 15°C, the NHS advises households to turn on the heating for health reasons.

But with heating bills rising recently and energy debt increasing by 12% to £3.7bn, millions of households will be worried about whether they can afford to turn their heating up or even turn it on.

But lots of support is available to those struggling with the strain of winter bills.

Here are six key cold weather payments and support available now that could be a lifeline for those struggling to heat their homes.

1. Cold Weather Payment – worth £25

The Cold Weather Payment is triggered when the average temperature in your area falls below 0°C (32°F) for seven consecutive days between 1 November and 31 March. Eligible households get £25 for each cold spell. You might qualify for the cold weather payment if you receive certain benefits, such as universal or pension credit. You might also be eligible if you have a severe disability premium, a child under 5 living with you or a child with a disability.

2. Emergency credit – worth £10

If you have a prepayment meter fitted and can’t afford to top it up, you can use your emergency credit, usually worth around £10 for gas and £5 for electricity. 

You can use your emergency credit when the balance on your prepaid meter drops to 50p or less. How you access it will depend on your supplier and the type of meter you have; some will automatically enable emergency credit, while others require you to accept it manually.

But you’ll have to repay your emergency credit the next time you top up.

3. Warm Home Discount – worth £150

The Warm Home Discount provides a one-off £150 discount on electricity bills for eligible households. This scheme supports people on a low income or those who receive the guarantee credit element of pension credit. If you’re eligible, your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill – it won’t be paid to you. You should receive a letter between October and December telling you when to expect your discount. If you think you’re eligible and haven’t heard anything by early January, call the Warm Home Discount helpline on 0800 030 9322.

4. Household Support Fund – worth up to £500

In the Budget last month, the government announced it will provide £1bn to extend the Household Support Fund into 2025-26.

The Household Support Fund is a grant provided by local councils to help households needing urgent financial assistance. This might take the form of cash or vouchers for heating bills, essential supplies and other living costs. Each council chooses how it allocates its part of the Household Support Fund, so the help you get will depend on where you live.”

5. Energy hardship schemes and grants – worth up to £2,000 

Most energy providers now offer some form of financial assistance to customers struggling to pay their bills.

What you’ll get will depend on your provider; some will offer money off your bills, while others might write off your debt or offer a grant to help.

Even if your supplier cannot help, you might be entitled to support from the British Gas Individuals and Families Fund whether you’re a customer or not. This scheme offers grants to any UK households struggling with energy costs.

6. Energy Company Obligation Scheme – worth between £7,000 and £20,000 

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) Scheme is a government-backed initiative requiring energy suppliers to help low-income, fuel-poor or vulnerable households improve energy efficiency. Support includes insulation and heating upgrades to reduce overall winter energy costs. Only medium and large energy suppliers are taking part in the initiative. Contact your supplier directly to see if they’re signed up and what help is available.

7. Child Winter Heating Assistance (Scotland Only) – worth £214.10 

Available exclusively in Scotland, the Child Winter Heating Assistance provides a yearly payment of £214.10 to help families of children and young people with disabilities keep their homes warm. To be eligible, your child must be receiving certain disability benefits.

8. Winter Fuel Payment – worth up to £300 

The Winter Fuel Payment provides a tax-free payment of between £100 and £300 to help older people keep warm during the colder months.

The government recently announced controversial changes to the qualifying criteria for the Winter Fuel Payment. From this winter, it will only be paid to those born before 26 September 1956 who receive pension credit.  Anyone who doesn’t qualify for pension credit will no longer receive the payment.

Nearly 800,000 people who are entitled to pension credit aren’t currently claiming it meaning they will also miss out on the Winter Fuel Payment. Use our benefits calculator to quickly check if you’re eligible.

9. Warm spaces 

Warm spaces are places where people can escape cold homes during the day. They are usually community areas, such as libraries or churches. But a number of private businesses also open their doors to offer help. In some warm spaces, you can get hot refreshments, use Wi-Fi and charge phones and other electrical devices for free. Find your nearest warm space here or contact your local council