Energy supplier discounts, Pension Credit, Household Support Fund and more help if you're struggling with gas and electricity bills

Are you or someone you know struggling with sky-high energy bills? Suppliers are offering help to eligible households worth up to £2,000.

Millions of Brits are facing a challenging Winter ahead.

Research from the University of York suggests that two-fifths of households are already struggling to cover their energy costs, spending more than 10% of their income on gas and electricity bills.

And that's before you factor in the potentially damaging impact of next month's Budget, plus the fact energy prices are expected to rise slightly once more come January. 

Where to get support

With such challenging months ahead, it's vital you take steps to keep on top of your bills. 

For example, you could check whether there are any fixed-rate energy tariffs that would allow you to lock into a rate that's cheaper than the increased Energy Price Cap – the maximum amount you pay per unit of energy.

You should also take all the practical steps you can to reduce your energy usage, keeping costs down during the high-usage colder months.

But the reality is that many households will still find it difficult to keep on top of bills even after making all the changes.

The good news is that there are still a number of schemes out there that could help.  

Support from energy suppliers

Most energy suppliers will have a support fund of some sort, so if you are struggling, you should definitely contact them and see what help they can offer as a first port of call. 

Below is a summary of some of the better-known schemes available. 

British Gas: up to £2,000 support

British Gas has a fund designed to help those already in energy debt.

Its Energy Support Fund provided more than £4 million in grants last Winter, and the energy giant confirmed earlier this month that the fund would also be available for the 2025/26 Winter.

The support fund is available to British Gas customers who have energy debt between £50 and £2,000 on a pre-payment meter or £250 - £2,000 on a credit account.

Learn more about the Energy Support Fund.

ScottishPower: help to clear debt

If you're a ScottishPower customer who receives one of the benefits listed below and are also struggling to pay your bills, you could get help clearing your existing debt.

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

• Income Support

• Housing Benefit

• Universal Credit

• Child Tax Credits

• Working Tax Credits

• Pension Credit Savings Credit (PCSC)

Help is available through the ScottishPower Hardship Fund: learn more about who's eligible and how to apply here. 

Octopus: Energy bill support, free electric blankets

The nation's largest energy supplier has set aside £40 million to help struggling customers through its Octopus Assist programme.

We can't say exactly what help you'll receive as you first have to fill out a form and provide some details. 

Once done, it will suggest help ranging from standing charge holidays, direct bill support and even free electric blankets..s

Again, this will depend on your circumstances: to learn more, head to the Octopus Assist page.

Government support

Pension Credit - up to £4,300 a year

Pension Credit can also be a key lifeline, providing extra money to help with living costs for those over the State Pension age and who are on a low income.

As well as a weekly income of £227 if you’re single (£346 for couples), it gives you access to other benefits, such as help with housing costs and heating bills.

While most retirees have lost out on the Winter Fuel Payment, anyone claiming this Credit should still be eligible.

You can learn more about Pension Credit, including how it works, who is eligible and how to apply in this guide. 

Winter Fuel Payment - up to £300

The Winter Fuel Payment is worth between £100 and £300, depending on your situation.

It will be widely available to most older households this Winter, although the eligibility rules will differ slightly compared to last year.

In short, you'll get the Winter Fuel Payment automatically if you were born before 22 September 1959 and live in England or Wales (those in Scotland should check their eligibility for the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment).

However, if your income is over £35,000, HMRC will take your Winter Fuel Payment back.

Check your eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment here.

Warm Home Discount Scheme 

The Warm Home Discount Scheme provides a one-off £150 discount on the electricity bills of eligible customers.

Previously, you'd only qualify if you received the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit or on means-tested benefits living in a property with a high energy score.

This Winter, anyone on means-tested benefits will automatically see the money knocked off their energy bills, regardless of the size of their home.

It’s only available to customers in England, Wales and Scotland. Not those in Northern Ireland, which has the Affordable Warmth Scheme.

To apply, you’ll need the name of your energy supplier and details of any benefits you receive.

Household Support Fund

You may receive help with essential costs from your local council.

The Household Support Fund is aimed at anyone who can’t pay for the essentials and doesn’t depend on whether you are on benefits.

This scheme provides funding to local authorities to help those most in need by covering the cost of energy, food and water.

A £742 million extension to the fund was recently announced. This will take the financial support available up until March 2026. 

You’ll need to contact your local authority to determine eligibility.

Cold Weather Payment

You may get Cold Weather Payments if you receive certain benefits or Support for Mortgage Interest.

If you’re eligible, you’ll receive them automatically. There’s no need to apply.

Separately, you can also apply for help with making energy-saving improvements to your home if you live in social housing or receive certain benefits.

These include the Great British Insulation Scheme for those whose homes have specific energy performance certificates and Council Tax bands.