If you’re worried about your finances or struggling to pay your rent or bills, please get in touch with us and we can help. Our expert team of advisors specialise in providing money, benefits, and debt advice. Give us a call on 0800 3 282 282.
Energy price cap
The energy price cap is a limit on the amount that energy suppliers can charge for each unit of energy and standing charge. It’s set by Ofgem, the energy regulator for Great Britain, and applies to households in England, Scotland, and Wales. The price cap is reviewed and updated every three months.
To find out what the current energy price cap is, visit the Ofgem website.
This cap only applies to those on standard and default tariffs, so if you’re on a fixed-term energy deal, the cap will not apply to you.
The cap also doesn’t apply to those who receive their energy from commercial supply, which includes our customers who have a communal heat supply.
Winter Fuel Payment
The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual tax-free lump sum worth between £200 - £300 depending on your circumstances. It helps people over State Pension Age (SPA) with heating costs.
Until 2024, everyone above SPA was entitled to the payment regardless of their circumstances. However, now to receive the payment you need to be claiming Pension Credit, another qualifying benefit or tax credits, and evidence that you were born before 25 September 1958.
The payment is automatically paid directly into your bank account if you’re eligible, either in November or December. If you don’t receive a letter explaining the amount you’ll receive, or the money hasn’t been paid into your account by 26 January 2025, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160.
You should claim Pension Credit if you can
If you are of SPA and on a low income, but not in receipt of Pension Credit, we would highly recommend that you make a claim. You’ll have your income topped up and receive other benefits, including the Winter Fuel Payment.
You can visit the Winter Fuel Payment page to find out further information on this payment, as-well checking if you’re eligible for Pension Credit.
Warm Homes Discount Scheme
For winter 2024/2025, you could get £150 off your electricity bill under the Warm Home Discount Scheme. This is a discount that will be applied to your bill between October 2024 and the end of March 2025. This discount should be applied automatically if you are eligible. You’ll receive a letter confirming this by early January 2025.
To be eligible, you or your partner will need to receive Pension Credit or be on a low income - including those receiving certain benefits – and have high energy costs. You may also be able to get the discount on your gas bill if you’re eligible and your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity. Please check with your supplier to find this out.
Please note that you can still qualify for the discount if you use a pre-pay or pay-as-you-go electricity meter. Your electricity supplier can tell you how you’ll get the discount if you’re eligible, for example a voucher you can use to top up your meter.
You can visit the Warm Homes Discount page to find out further information on your eligibility. Or if you believe you’re eligible for the scheme, but haven’t received a letter by early January 2025. Please note that the discount won’t affect your Winter Fuel Payment or any Cold Weather Payment.
Cold Weather Payments
If you receive certain benefits or support on your mortgage interest, then you’ll receive £25 for each seven-day period of very cold weather between November 2024 and March 2025. Very cold weather is defined as the average temperature being at or below zero for seven days in a row. These payments are automatic - you don’t need to apply. You can visit the Cold Weather Payment page for more information.
Cost of Living Payments
The government has announced that you may be entitled to a £200 Cost of Living Payment from November, which is part of the Housing Support Fund. To be eligible for the payment, you will need to evidence that you are experiencing financial hardship with food or energy costs. Local councils are managing these payments, so the exact timing and application process may vary depending on your area. Some councils have already started issuing payments whilst others will begin closer to Christmas.
If you haven’t applied yet, keep an eye on your local council’s website for updates on when applications will re-open.
Household Support Fund
You may be able to receive help with essential costs such as energy bills from your local council. This funding is aimed at anyone who is vulnerable and/or cannot pay for essentials. You do not need to be on benefits to receive help from this fund. You’ll need to contact your local council for further information or to apply for help. Visit Find Your Local Council if you’re not sure who to contact.
Priority Services Register
The Priority Services Register is a free support service that makes sure extra help is available if you’re vulnerable or in a vulnerable situation. You can receive priority support in emergency situations, support when calling your supplier and help with prepayment meter access and reading. Contact your energy supplier to be added to this register.
Visit the Priority Services Register page for more information.
LEAP
LEAP is a free energy and money saving service that helps people reduce their energy bills. You can apply by visiting LEAP. An advisor will then contact you to confirm your eligibility and arrange for a qualified energy advisor to provide energy saving advice, help with energy switching and refer you for money saving advice.
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice has advice on energy saving in your home and how to receive help with paying bills. Visit the energy pages on its website, where you can also find out what to do if your energy supplier goes bust.
Switching energy supplier
While it’s difficult to find cheaper energy deals at the moment, if you’re thinking about switching suppler, USwitch is a great place to start.
More information on switching supplier is also available from Ofgem.