How can I reduce my fuel and energy costs if I live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland?
Wales
The Welsh Government runs a scheme called Winter Fuel Support. Eligible households can claim a one-off £200 payment from their local authority to be used towards paying fuel bills. This payment will be available regardless of whether you pay for your fuel on a pre-payment meter, by direct debit or quarterly payment and regardless of whether you are using on or off-grid fuel.
Eligible households are those receiving universal credit, child tax credits, pension credits, disability benefits, carers allowance, contributory benefits and those receiving help from the Council Tax Reduction Scheme to pay council tax bill.
The scheme will open for applications on the 26 of September 2022 with the first payments expected in October 2022.
This support is in addition to the Welsh Government fuel voucher scheme announced last month and aimed at providing crisis help to those households that have to pay in advance for their energy and are unable to do so.
Nest - If you live in Wales you can contact Nest to get free help and advice about benefits, managing your money and also make sure you are on the right fuel tariff. They also give you information about other schemes across Wales that offer home improvements at no or low cost:
- 0808 808 2244
- Nest website
- Mon - Fri 9am-6pm
Power Up! - Is run in partnership with Western Distribution, electricity networks and the Energy Saving Trust across South and Mid Wales. They offer free and impartial advice on getting the best deal, no matter who supplies your gas or electricity. They can also help with benefits checks and debt advice. Further information including contact details can be found in their leaflet:
Further support for those living in Wales can also be found on the PAVO (Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations) website.
Northern Ireland
Scotland
Child Winter Heating Payment (formally called Child Winter Heating Assistance)
Child winter heating assistance is payable to all families with a severely disabled child, aged 18 or under and receiving one of the following benefits on at least 1 day during the 'qualifying week'. The qualifying week is the third week in September every year.
- the highest rate of the care component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children
- the highest rate of the care component of Child Disability Payment
- the enhanced rate of the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- the enhanced rate of the daily living component of Adult Disability Payment
The child winter heating payment is £235.70 in winter 2023-2024 and is payable for each severely disabled child. If a qualifying benefit is awarded later but backdated to cover this date, child winter heating payment is awarded. Child Winter Heating Payment is issued automatically, and recipients do not usually need to apply.
Further information, including whether you need to apply, can be found on the mygov.scot website.
Winter Heating Payment
Winter Heating Payment is to help people on low-income benefits who might have extra heating needs. It replaces the Cold Weather Payment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and has the same eligibility requirements. Unlike the Cold Weather Payment, Winter Heating Payment does not depend on how cold the temperature gets. Winter Heating Payment is a yearly payment of £50 that’s paid automatically.
Further informattion can be found on the mygov.scot website.
Debt Advice
If you are struggling to pay your fuel bills our Debt Advice webpage have information to help you find an expert debt adviser. Fuel arrears are a priority debt as it can result in your supply being cut off. Therefore it is vital to address it at as early as possible.
