Discounts for Fuel Bills

Help and Support from Energy Provider

It is important to let your energy provider(s) know if you are struggling to pay for fuel or are concerned about debt. There are a range of options suppliers can offer if you are struggling, including full payment plan reviews, affordable debt repayment plans, payment breaks, or reductions, all allowing you more time to pay. Similarly, if you're a prepayment customer, your supplier can offer you emergency credit.

Please access the links below for further information on what help is available: 

• Independent Fuel Debt Advice – British Gas Energy Trust (British Gas Energy Trust covers support on offer from all energy providers)
• energyadvice.scot

Warm Home Discount

You could get £150 off your electricity bill for winter 2023 to 2024 under the Warm Home Discount Scheme.

The money is not paid to you - it’s a one-off discount applied to your electricity bill between early October 2023 and 31 March 2024.

You’ll usually get the discount automatically if you’re eligible. You only need to apply if you’re on a low income in Scotland - contact your energy supplier to apply.

If you might be eligible, you’ll get a letter by early January 2024.

If you do not get a letter and you think you’re eligible, you must contact the Warm Home Discount Scheme before 29 February 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. Contact your supplier to find out.

Up to £600 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.

Most people get the Winter Fuel Payment automatically if they’re eligible.

If you’re eligible, you’ll get a letter in October or November saying how much you’ll get.

If you do not get a letter but you think you’re eligible, check if you need to make a claim.

Most eligible people are paid in November or December. Find out what to do if you have not been paid.

Scotland Winter Heating Payment

Winter Heating Payment is to help people on low income benefits who might have extra heating needs. Social Security Scotland pays this to people living in Scotland.

It replaces the Cold Weather Payment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and has the same eligibility requirements.

Unlike the Cold Weather Payment, Winter Heating Payment does not depend on how cold the temperature gets.

Winter Heating Payment is a yearly payment of £55.05 that’s paid automatically.

Warmer Homes Scheme Scotland

In Scotland, you can apply for a grant of up to £7,500 (or £9,000 if you live in a rural or island area) to help fund energy-efficiency home improvements, including central heating, radiators, heating controls, draught-proofing and insulation. You have to have lived in your property for at least 12 months and be in receipt of certain benefits, or over 75 with no working heating system. More info and how to apply from Warmer Homes Scotland.

If you feel you are in crisis and are in need of urgent assistance please contact the Community Support Line on 0800 952 0330.