If you are struggling with energy costs, you may be able to get a grant or other help.
Some energy suppliers have their own support funds.
Other charities and local schemes may also be able to help.
Start With Your Supplier
Contact your energy supplier first.
Tell them you are struggling to pay.
Ask:
- what support they offer
- whether they have a hardship fund
- whether you can apply for an energy grant
- whether they can help with energy debt
Even if you cannot get a grant, your supplier may have other ways to help.
Learn more: Energy Debt and Support →
Supplier Grants
Several energy suppliers have funds to help customers who are struggling.
Depending on the fund, help may be available towards energy debt or other energy costs.
However, each fund has its own rules.
Some may look at:
- your income
- your energy debt
- your household
- the benefits you receive
- what you can afford to pay
Some also ask you to get money or debt advice before you apply.
So, always check the current rules.
Which Suppliers Offer Help?
Support changes over time.
At present, help is available through funds or support schemes linked to several large energy suppliers. Citizens Advice currently lists schemes connected with suppliers including British Gas, EDF, E.ON Next, Octopus, OVO, ScottishPower, Utilita and Utility Warehouse.
However, funds can open, close or change their rules.
So, rather than relying on an old list, check what your supplier offers now.
Not With One of Those Suppliers?
Still ask for help.
Your supplier may offer support even if it is not listed above.
There are also funds that can help people who use another energy company.
For example, the British Gas Energy Trust operates support funds, and some of its help is available to customers of other suppliers.
So, do not assume that the name of a fund means you cannot apply.
Check its rules first.
What Can a Grant Pay For?
Some grants can help clear or reduce energy debt.
Others may offer different kinds of support.
What you can get depends on the fund.
A grant is not guaranteed.
Also, there may be limits on how much help you can receive.
Before You Apply
Get a few things ready.
You may be asked for:
- recent energy bills
- details of your energy debt
- household income
- benefits
- regular spending
- bank details or statements
- details of other debts
Some funds may also ask you to complete a budget or speak to a debt adviser before applying.
Check what you need before starting the form.
It can save time.
Get Free Debt Advice
If you have energy debt, free debt advice can be useful.
An adviser can help you look at:
- what you owe
- what you can afford
- which debts need dealing with first
- benefits you may be missing
- grants you may be able to apply for
Also, some energy funds ask applicants to get debt advice first.
So, getting help early can make the next steps easier.
Can’t Afford to Top Up?
If you use a prepayment meter and cannot afford to top up, do not wait for a grant application.
Contact your supplier now.
Tell them:
“I cannot afford to top up my meter.”
Ask what immediate help is available.
Depending on your circumstances and where you live, other help such as temporary credit or a fuel voucher may also be available.
Learn more: Energy Debt and Support →
Check Your Benefits Too
A grant is only one possible source of help.
Also check whether you are getting all the benefits you can claim.
You may be missing support that could increase your household income.
So, it is worth doing a benefits check as well as looking for energy grants.
Check Local Help
Your local council may also have help available.
This can vary depending on where you live.
For example, there may be local help with:
- energy costs
- household bills
- emergency costs
- keeping your home warm
Schemes can change during the year.
So, check your council’s current support rather than relying on an old list.
Grants for Home Improvements
There is an important difference between a grant to help with energy bills or debt and a grant to improve your home.
Home improvement schemes may help with things such as insulation or heating.
We cover those separately.
Learn more: Help to Make Your Home Warmer →
Watch Out for Scams
Be careful with messages offering energy grants.
Do not give away bank details or personal information just because someone says you qualify.
Check who is offering the grant.
Then use the organisation’s official website or contact details.
Also, be wary of anyone asking for money simply to release a grant.
Where to Start
If you need help:
- Contact your energy supplier.
- Ask about grants and support funds.
- Check the current rules.
- Gather the information you need.
- Get free debt advice if needed.
- Check your benefits.
- Look for local help too.
Do not assume there is only one place to ask.
Key Points
- Your energy supplier may offer grants or other support.
- Some funds can help customers of other suppliers too.
- Each fund has its own rules.
- Some applications need debt advice first.
- Check benefits and local support as well.
If you are struggling with energy costs, check more than one source of help.
Important Information
Energility provides general information to help you understand energy, household and business costs, services and ways to save money. It is not financial, legal, tax, technical or professional advice.
Prices, tariffs, grants, government schemes, regulations and other information can change. Costs, savings and calculator results are estimates and your actual results may be different.
Before making an important financial decision, signing a contract or carrying out significant work, check the latest information and consider getting advice from a suitably qualified professional where needed.
Energility may receive a commission or other benefit from some links or services. Where this applies, we aim to make it clear. This does not increase the price you pay unless stated otherwise.
Next: Help to Make Your Home Warmer →
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