Energy bills
Energy bills are rising, and if you’re struggling to keep up with your payments or to top up your pre-payment meter, there is help available.
You can get help with your energy bills or to top up your prepayment meter. You may also be eligible for benefits, grants and help offered by the government and energy suppliers.
Check if you can save money on your energy bills
There are schemes which can help you save money on your energy bills. The energy regulator Ofgem provides information about support you can get if you have a low income or you are over 67 years old. Visit the Ofgem site to see if you can get help from government schemes like the Warm Home Discount, the Cold Weather Payment and the Winter Fuel Payment, or from grants and charities.
For advice about ways to save energy in your home, the Energy Saving Trust website provides tips on:
If you are on a pre-payment energy meter
If you can't afford to top up your pre-payment meter, Citizens Advice has some information about what to do.
The best energy bill deals, and largest variety of tariffs, are usually available if you pay by direct debit, rather than paying after your bill arrives, or topping up credit on a pre-payment meter. The maximum amount you pay (the "price cap") if you pay by direct debit is less than the price cap for pre-payment meters.
If you want to change from a pre-payment meter, your energy company should not charge you to change to a direct debit. You may not be able to change from a pre-payment meter if you are in debt to your energy supplier.
To find out which payment option is right for you, visit Citizens Advice's website.
One-off energy payments from the government
Payments to help with the cost of living
You may be able to get an extra one-off payment to help with the cost of living if you’re getting certain benefits or tax credits. You don’t need to apply – if you’re eligible, you’ll be paid automatically in the same way you usually get your benefit or tax credits.
For more information about the one-off cost of living payment, and how much you might get, visit the government’s website.
The payment will only be given to people claiming certain benefits or tax credits. To find out if you’re eligible for benefits, use a benefits calculator such as the ones provided by Entitled To, Turn2Us or Policy in Practice.
If you're Deaf or Disabled
On top of this, if you're on disability benefits, you will receive an extra £150 payment in September through your benefits to help with your extra costs. Check if you're eligible for the £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment on the government's website.
If you are Disabled, you may have higher energy and water costs than non-Disabled people. The charity Inclusion London has information about how to get support with your energy costs if you are Disabled. This includes advice about getting a rebate if you have an oxygen concentrator, or getting special consideration from your energy provider for discretionary discounts.
If you're a pensioner
If you get the Winter Fuel Payment, you will also receive an extra one-off £300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment, which will be paid as an automatic top-up to the Winter Fuel Payment. Check if you're eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment on the government's website.