Nine ways to get free cash for energy bills as snow set to hit the UK

WINDY and wet weather is gripping the UK and freezing temperatures are set to hit some parts of Britain.

It means many of us will be putting the heating on more adding to worries around rising energy bills.

But households should be aware of a number of benefits and grants available to struggling households.

Here we explain what’s available, who can get it and how.

Warm home discount

The Warm Home Discount Scheme is a one-off £150 discount on your electricity bill.

If you’re eligible, your electricity supplier will usually apply the discount to your bill, or you may be sent a voucher if you have an prepayment meter.

Applications for the scheme opened in October, however, you may not get the help until next March.

To qualify you’ll usually need to be actively claiming one of a number of means-tested benefits during the qualifying week – which is usually in August.

However, if you later launch a successful claim for backdated benefits, you may still be able to qualify after this date and once it’s confirmed.

If you qualify for the WHD, you should receive a letter telling you. These are usually sent between October and January.

See which benefits qualify for the help in our guide and how to get it if you think you’re eligible and haven’t received a letter.

Winter Fuel Payment

The Winter Fuel Payment is a state benefit paid once a year to pensioners to help cover the cost of heating during colder months.

The handout was previously available to everyone aged above 66 and helped with high energy bills.

But Chancellor Rachel Reeves revealed earlier this year the cash would only be given to retirees on pension credit, or other means-tested benefits.

From November, eligible households have received automatic payments of up to £300.

Payments have continued to be made throughout December.

Those who are eligible should have either received a letter, or should get one in the coming month, telling them how much they will be paid.

It will also explain which bank account the payment will be paid into – this is usually the same account as where Pension Credit or other benefits are usually paid.

The DWP has advised all those eligible for the cash to expect it to enter their bank accounts by January 29 at the latest.

If the payment does not come through, pensioners are advised to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre online or by telephone.

Household Support Fund (HSF)

Struggling households can apply for support via the Household Support Fund (HSF).

The scheme, which is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions, was first launched in 2021 but has been extended many times.

However, what you’re able to access depends on whereabouts you live, and the money will either be given to you as a direct cash transfer, shopping vouchers or in another form.

To find out what you may be eligible for, visit your local council’s website.

If you’re unsure of the name of your council, find out using the Government’s council locator tool.

Funding is given to local councils to distribute, so the amount handed out varies across the country.

For example, struggling residents and families who live in Solihull can apply for free cash grants worth hundreds of pounds to help with energy bills.

This could be financial help in the form of energy vouchers and energy payment for gas, electricity, water or to top up an oil or LPG tank (not bottles) or solid fuel.

Free electrics and gadgets

Octopus Energy is handing out freebies such as electric blankets as part of its Octo Assist fund.

Analysis by the firm shows that customers with electric blankets saw a 20% fall in their gas bill, while only increasing their electricity usage by 0.2% – adding up to an average saving of £150 across winter.

The energy firm, which serves six million customers, is also loaning thousands of thermal imaging cameras to customers so that they can find spots in their homes where heat was escaping.

Once those draughts are identified, people can then look into ways to get them fixed and thus reduce their energy usage. 

EDF is also pumping £29million into a range of support for struggling households this winter.

Customers can get any debt wiped, as well as free energy-saving gadgets such as air fryers, kettles and slow cookers.

EDF said it will replace broken or poorly working appliances with energy-efficient ones.

Free insulation or boilers

Low-income households may qualify for major discounts on installing boilers or insulating their homes.

For example, the Energy Company Obligation, set up by the Government, lets households on certain benefits apply to have energy-saving measures installed in their homes.

It might mean cavity wall or loft insulation, or maybe even a new boiler fitted, sometimes for free.

To qualify you usually need to be on one of the following benefits

• Pension Guarantee Credit
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income Support
• Tax Credits (Child Tax Credits and Working Tax Credits)
• Universal Credit
• Housing Benefit
• Pension Credit Saving Credit

Households’ needs are assessed on a case-by-case basis, so there’s no guarantee you’ll get help, but it is worth looking into.

Budgeting loans

You may be able to get a budgeting loan from the Social Fund to help with intermittent expenses.

You’re more likely to be eligible if you receive pension credit, income support, income-based jobseeker’s allowance or income-related employment and support allowance.

Universal Credit claimants will need to apply for a budgeting advance – these are interest free loans, but must be paid back.

You will need to have been receiving benefits for more than six months before applying.

The payments are designed to help with intermittent expenses which are difficult to budget for, such as the cost of installing a prepayment meter or connection charges if you move home.

It’s best to check cash you can get that you don’t have to pay back before applying for a loan or advance.

Grants from suppliers

The British Gas Energy Trust’s Individual and Families Fund has been accepting applications from those struggling with energy debt since September.

The Individual and Families Fund was first set up in 2021 to help households struggling with energy debt.

However, unlike other energy supplier grants, this scheme’s support is available to British Gas and non-British Gas customers.

Energy customers could previously get up to £1,500 in help from the fund, but it has increased to £1,700 this winter to help an increasing number of households in debt.

To qualify you must meet the following criteria:

•  Pre-payment meter customers must have between £50 and £1,700 of energy debt
• Credit customers must have between £250 and £1,700 of energy debt
• Live in England, Scotland, or Wales
• Have not received a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust within the last 2 years
• You must be seeking a grant to clear an outstanding debt on a current or open gas, electricity or dual fuel energy account.
• The account must be in your name and relate to your main residence

It is recommended that customers from the following companies first seek assistance through their own hardship schemes:

• Ovo Energy
• E.ON Next
• EDF Energy
• Scottish Power
• Octopus Energy
• Utilita

If you are rejected by your own energy company’s hardship fund, apply to the British Gas Energy Trust’s Individual and Families Fund by visiting www.britishgasenergytrust.org.uk/grants-available.

Many other energy suppliers offer support for their customers so it is always worth getting in contact if you are struggling.

Grants vary by supplier and, of course, the exact amount you’ll get will depend on your own financial circumstances.

Prepayment meter vouchers and credit

You can get temporary credit from your supplier, but you will have to pay this back.

In many cases, suppliers offer around £10 to £20 if you run out and can’t top up straight away to ensure that you don’t go without heat or lights.

Beware that when you do top-up, this amount will be deducted.

You may also be able to get a fuel voucher through a little-known scheme.

This is a code given to you in a letter, text message or email which you can use to add credit to your gas card or electricity key. 

Exactly how much it is can vary, but in many cases, it’s £49, and you won’t have to pay it back.

If you get a fuel voucher, don’t forget that when you top up, come off the credit will go towards paying off any debt, for example, emergency credit.

If you haven’t topped up for a period of time, you may also owe standing charges, a daily flat fee for energy use that is separate from your usage.

Contact your local council, food bank or Citizens Advice to find out more.

Cold weather payments

Cold Weather Payments is a type of support set up by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to help with energy costs when temperatures drop.

To be eligible for the cash boost you must be on state benefits such as Universal Credit or Income Support.

Temperatures also must hit zero degrees Celsius or below over 7 consecutive days for the sum to be paid out.

You do not need to apply for the scheme as the money will be paid into anyone who qualifies account within 14 days.

If you meet the requirements, you will receive £25 for each seven day period of incredibly cold weather.