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

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. However, with the collapse of the energy market in September 2021, it’s all but impossible to compare energy prices, let alone switch - even through energy comparison sites like ours.

Not only is an energy switch unlikely to be on the cards for most energy customers in the UK, but bills for existing energy deals are going up and 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, see our list below:

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:

• EDF Energy

• ScottishPower

• British Gas

• OVO

• Octopus

• E.ON Next

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?

Energy unit rates were capped and frozen at a level of £2,500 until July 2023 under the government's Energy Price Guarantee, but Ofgem has set the energy price cap level at £1,834 until 31 December 2023, so the price cap is the system by which unit rates will be capped. While this means that energy prices have dropped, customers are still paying more for their energy than in the autumn and winter of 2021.

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.