⚡️Staying Warm This Winter: Key Financial Support Schemes⚡️

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We’re now a month into the Winter Season. It’s no secret that the cost of keeping warm is substantially high, unaffordable for many individuals and families.

I have summarised some Financial Support available from a number of places for low-income households. You may have heard of some of these already.

Automatically Applied Financial Support

The Winter Fuel Payment (UK)

£200-£300 Annual payment to support older people (most born before 23rd September 1958 and receiving qualifying benefits) with Winter Heating Bills.

For most, this will be automatically applied however there are circumstances where you may need to request this:

• A change of circumstances
• Being abroad

Cold Weather Payment (England, Wales, and Northern Ireland)

£25 for every consecutive 7 days where the temperature is 0c or below to support with additional heating costs.

No application is required – this is automatically applied to those receiving qualifying benefits.

Warm Home Discount (England, Wales, and Scotland)

£150 discount applied to electricity bills to support with Winter Heating Bills.

For core groups, this will be automatically applied however some households on low income may applier to their supplier (especially in Scotland).

Winter Payment Scheme (Scotland)

£58.75 (2024/2025) to support with energy costs during the winter period.

No application is required – this is automatically applied to those receiving qualifying benefits.

Child Winter Payment (Scotland)

£251.50 (2024/2025) to support with heating costs for children and young people with disabilities.

No application is required – this is automatically applied to those households with children or young people under the age of 19 receiving qualifying benefits.

Financial Support which you need to apply for

Household Support Fund/Scottish Welfare Fund (UK)

This is a crisis fund open to low-income or vulnerable households, providing support with essential needs such as food, energy bills, and other essentials.

England, Wales, and Northern Ireland - To qualify, you must apply with your local Council under the Household Support Fund.

Scotland - To qualify, you must apply to your local council for Crisis Grants or Community Care Grants under the Scottish Welfare Fund

Supplier Hardship Fund (UK)

These are grants or credits on your account to support customers experiencing financial hardship or energy debt. These are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Contact your supplier to understand if you might be eligible for additional support. If your not confident speaking with your energy supplier alone, one of our Disability Energy Support team can support.

Fuel Direct Scheme (UK)

This enables the deduction of money from your benefits to repay energy debts and ongoing energy bills for people on qualifying benefits.

You can apply for this via DWP, Jobcentre Plus, or Pension Service.

If you are struggling at the moment, please contact our Disability Energy Support team to arrange a free appointment with one of our advisers. There is additional support (both financial and otherwise) that the team might be able to provide. You can do this here - Disability Energy Support | Disability charity Scope UK