Help with bills

The scheme is open to people who get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit or those who fulfil their energy supplier’s low-income criteria.

How you apply for the Warm Home Discount Scheme depends on how you qualify for the discount.

If you were born on or before 25 September 1956, 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’ll get will include your ‘pensioner cost of living payment’, ranging between £150 and £300. You’ll only get this extra amount in winter 2022 to 2023.

Please note this is in addition to any ‘Cost of Living Payment’ you’re entitled to. Claims will be accepted until 31 March 2023.

Fuel vouchers are to help people who are struggling to pay their gas and/or electricity, depending on eligibility and availability.

Different organisations may be able to issue them, including some local Citizens Advice and/or energy advice organisations.

If you receive Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Universal Credit or Support for Mortgage Interest, you might be eligible for £25 for each seven-day period of very cold weather between 1 November and 31 March.

After each period of very cold weather in your area, you should get a payment within 14 working days. It is paid into the same bank or building society account as your benefit payments.

You may be able to get a payment to help with the cost of living if you’re getting certain benefits or tax credits.

If you’re eligible, you’ll be paid automatically in the same way you usually get your benefit or tax credits.

You could get up to 3 different types of payment depending on your circumstances on a particular date or during a particular period:

• a Cost of Living Payment, if you get a qualifying low income benefit or tax credits
• a Disability Cost of Living Payment, if you get a qualifying disability benefit
• a Pensioner Cost of Living Payment, if you’re entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2022 to 2023

These payments are not taxable and will not affect the benefits or tax credits you get.

If you cannot see the payment in your bank, building society or credit union account, you can report it via the GOV.UK website.

Although most NHS treatment is free, there are still some costs you might need to pay, for example, to get your prescriptions or to travel to your hospital appointment.

Find out how you could get help to pay for these health costs.

Your child may be able to get free school meals if you meet the eligibility criteria.

If you, or your family member, are struggling with broadband or mobile phone bills, please check if you are eligible to switch your package to a social tariff.

Social tariffs are cheaper broadband and phone packages for people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits. Some providers call them ‘essential’ or ‘basic’ broadband.

They are delivered in the same way as normal packages, just at a lower price.

View full list of broadband and social tariffs

If you need help to make your money and pension choices clearer, please visit Money Helper website.

The website features a range of videos, tools and calculators, all of which are free. For example, it includes a money manager tool for those on Universal Credit and credit card and loan calculators.