You may be struggling with your energy bills and the cost of living this winter. We want to make sure you feel supported and know what help is available.
Below you’ll find information on government energy support schemes, ForHousing’s Live Well fund, and other support you may need to help you get through the cold months.
Please note that you will not need to apply for the support provided by the government. If you’re eligible, you’ll be paid automatically in the same way you usually get your benefits or tax credits. This includes if you’re found to be eligible at a later date. If you’ve received a message asking you to apply, this might be a scam.
Warm Home Discount Scheme
You can get £150 as part of the Warm Home Discount Payment, which will reopen again in October 2023. The money is not paid to you – it’s a one-off discount on your electricity bill, between October 2023 and March 2024. You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity and you’re eligible. If you’re unsure, please contact your supplier. If you want to find out more, visit the government website.
Cold Weather Payment
You may get a Cold Weather Payment if you’re getting certain benefits or Support for Mortgage Interest. You’ll get a payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees celcius or below over 7 consecutive days. You’ll get £25 for each 7 day period of very cold weather between 1 November and 31 March. The scheme will start on 1 November 2023, and you’ll be able to check if your area is due a payment in November 2023. You can find more information on the GOV website.
Cost of Living Payment
You may be entitled to up to three Cost of Living Payments of £301, £300 and £299 if you get any of the following benefits or tax credits on certain dates. You can find out more details on the GOV website.
You may be entitled to a Disability Cost of Living Payment of £150 if you’re getting any of the following benefits:
- Attendance Allowance
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance for adults
- Disability Living Allowance for children
- Personal Independence Payment
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- War Pension Mobility Supplement
Winter Fuel Payment
If you were born before 25 September 1957 you could get between £250 and £600 to help you pay your heating bills. This is known as a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’. The amount you get includes a ‘Pensioner Cost of Living Payment’. This is between £150 and £300. You’ll get this extra amount in winter 2023 to 2024. This is in addition to any other Cost of Living Payments you get with your benefit or tax credits. For more information, visit the website here.
Pension Credit
Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. Pension Credit can also help with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges. You might get extra help if you’re a carer, severely disabled, or responsible for a child or young person. Click here to find out more.
