The cost of living is rising and energy bills are expected to soar again in October.
Millions of households have been impacted by the increased price cap that forced the cost of energy to rise by 54 per cent.
The UK Government have now offered a grant, replacing the original £200 rebate that was to be paid back, and it will be distributed to all households over the UK.
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Along with that, there are other cost of living payments that will be distributed to help the most vulnerable.
If you are struggling to pay your energy bill, you should contact your energy provider.
There are also a range of charities and organisations that can help such as, Citizens Advice Scotland, Advice Direct Scotland, CAP, National Debt UK and StepChange.
Some energy companies may also offer funding and help pay your bills and offer advice - which is why you should go to them in the first instance. You can see all the support available from major energy providers here.
Below is all the support available to help households with energy bills.
£400 energy grant
In October, every household will receive a £400 energy grant. This does not have to be re-paid.
It won't be going straight into bank accounts though - Energy suppliers will deliver the support from October.
Direct debit and credit customers will have the money credited to their account, while customers with pre-payment meters will have the money applied to their meter or paid via a voucher.
£650 one-off payment
There will be a one-off payment of £650 to people who receive benefits. The payment will be made in two instalments, one in July and one in October.
The money will go direct to recipients of Universal Credit, Income-based Jobseekers Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Pension Credit.
£200-300 for pensioners with Winter Fuel Payment
Pensioner households that receive the Winter Fuel Payment will get a top up of between £200 and £300 in November and December.
The payment will be made on top of other payments that the recipient is entitled to.
£150 for those claiming disability benefits
On top of the the £400 grant, a one off payment of £150 will be given to those claiming disability benefits, or had already begun an eventual successful claim as of May 25 2022.
Anyone who is claiming Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance, Scottish Disability Benefits, Armed Forces Independence Payment, Constant Attendance Allowance and War Pension Mobility Supplement will get the top-up.
It will also be given on top of the £650 if they also claim other benefits as mentioned above.
As well as the cost of living grants, there may be other options available if you qualify.
Home Heating Support Fund
The Home Heating Support Fund is working with the Scottish Government to help people facing financial difficulties.
The scheme has been extended until March 31 2023, or until funds have been exhausted.
Warm Home Discount Scheme
The Warm Home Discount Scheme: offers eligible households a one-off discount of £140 to their energy bill.
There are 2 ways to qualify for the Warm Home Discount Scheme:
- You get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit - known as the ‘core group’.
- You’re on a low income and meet your energy supplier’s criteria for the scheme - known as the ‘broader group’.
How you apply for the Warm Home Discount Scheme depends on how you qualify for the discount.
Low Income Winter Heating Assistance
The Low Income Winter Heating Assistance is a new benefit that will replace the UK Government's Cold Weather Payment.
If the average temperature in your area falls below zero degrees Celsius over a seven day period(between November and March), eligible individuals receive a Cold Weather Payment of £25 (per seven day period) to put towards fuel costs.
Replacing that will be a guaranteed annual winter heating benefit of £50 will be paid for the first time in February 2023 to around 400,000 low income households.
Winter Fuel Payment
You qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment if both the following apply:
- You were born on or before 25 September 1956.
- You lived in the UK for at least one day during the week of 19 to 25 September 2022 - this is called the ‘qualifying week’.
You will get your Winter Fuel Payment automatically (you do not need to claim) if you’re eligible and either get the State Pension or get another social security benefit (not Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Child Benefit or Universal Credit).
How much you will receive depends on your circumstances.
Child Winter Heating Assistance
To help families with disabled children, there is a payment of £200 to go towards the cost of heating.
You do not need to apply for Child Winter Heating Assistance if the child currently lives in Scotland.
If the child or young person is eligible, you'll be paid automatically into the same account that your Disability Living Allowance for children is paid into.
