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How to find out if you’re eligible for an energy help scheme, grant or benefit

There are many different ways in which people can qualify for an energy help scheme, but with changing eligibility requirements and various government relief measures announced in 2022 and 2023, it can be hard to know exactly what the difference is between them, and what you’re eligible for. This guide will help you find out whether you’re eligible for an energy help scheme to help bring energy costs down.
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Energy help schemes

Usually, the easiest way to stay on top of your energy spend would be to switch your energy deal to the cheapest one in your part of the country. There are deals returning to the market, so it's possible to compare energy prices and switch through energy comparison sites like ours. However, there aren't many deals and switching might not be right for everyone.

Regardless of whether you stick with the deal you're on or whether you switch energy, bills remain high and are putting a great deal of financial pressure on wallets and bank balances.

There have been various energy grants and discount schemes available for certain energy customers since before the collapse of the market. However, with the addition of various energy relief measures as part of an overall cost of living financial aid package released by the government, it can be difficult to work out what you’re eligible for.

Our energy help scheme eligibility checker asks a few simple questions about your age, pension status, income and benefit allowance to see whether you qualify for government support. 

How to find out whether I qualify for an energy help scheme

To find out whether you qualify for an energy help scheme, use our eligibility checker below. All you need to do is enter a few details and we will tell you how to take the next steps.  

Do I qualify for an energy help scheme?

You can use our eligibility checker below to see whether you qualify for any energy help schemes.

Which energy help schemes are available?

There are many different help measures available, and you may qualify for more than one. To see the different help schemes available, take a look at our list below:

Energy help scheme name How much discount could I get?
Warm Home Discount£150
Cold Weather Payment£25 for each seven-day period of very cold weather between 1 November and 31 March
Winter Fuel PaymentBetween £250 and £600
Pensioner households£300 one-off payment
Those receiving certain work benefits, such as Universal Credit payments£900 one-off payment (to be paid in three instalments in spring 2023, autumn 2023 and spring 2024)
Those receiving certain disability benefits£150 one-off payment

Councils and local authorities are also allocated government funding to help vulnerable households.

How do I apply for an energy help scheme?

In many cases, the discounts on schemes like the Warm Home Discount and Cold Weather Payment will be applied automatically. However, there could be circumstances in which you have to apply yourself - check out the schemes’ individual guides for more details.

The energy relief measures will be applied automatically.

Can my supplier help me with energy saving?

Your supplier may also be able to offer bespoke help and assistance with managing and paying your energy bills - click below for links to some of the bigger suppliers' help sections:

You could also see if you can cut your energy usage and reduce your bills with our energy saving tips.

Energy expert Ben Gallizzi says: 

“With the sharp rise in bills across the UK, government contribution schemes can be a huge benefit to many. There are still a lot of people in the UK who don't realise that they may be eligible for an energy help scheme. 

“Checking eligibility each year is a good routine to get into, as the criteria could have changed since last checking. Using our eligibility checker is a great first step.” 

FAQs

What will happen to energy prices?

Ofgem's energy price cap level is set at £1,928 until 31 March 2024. From 1 April to 30 June, it will drop to a two-year low of £1,690.

What is a winter fuel allowance?

A winter fuel allowance (or Winter Fuel Payment) is an annual energy payment support scheme that allocates between £250 and £600 for those who need help paying their energy bills. It is paid out between November and December. For 2023, you’re automatically eligible if you were born on or before 25 September 1957.

What is the difference between savings credit and guarantee credit? 

Pension Credit consists of two parts: Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. You could receive one or both parts. Guarantee Credit tops up your weekly income to a minimum amount and is available to those who reached State Pension age (66 years old). Savings Credit is a small top-up for people who have a modest amount of income or savings, and is only available to those who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016.

Why am I not eligible for any energy payment schemes?

The main reasons you would be ineligible for energy payment schemes are:

  • You’re not of pensionable age

  • You’re not eligible for work or disability benefits

  • Nobody you live with is eligible for work or disability benefits.

If you’re struggling to pay your energy bills, you can see what other help from charities and energy suppliers might be available.

Read more:

Warm Home Discount scheme 2023-24 - Uswitch

Discover all you need to know about the government-funded Warm Home Discount scheme - a guide to help eligible homes save money on their energy bills in 2023 and 2024.

Learn more

Cold Weather Payments: Find out if you’re eligible & how to claim - Uswitch

Are you eligible for a Cold Weather Payment this year? Find out if you could claim £25 for every week of cold weather this winter.

Learn more

Get help paying your energy bills - Uswitch

Get help paying your energy bills. There are options for those struggling - find out if you are eligible for an energy grant or a rebate on your energy bills.

Learn more