Financial support for rising energy costs
A government grant will reduce energy bills by £400 from October for all households. This is in addition to the energy price cap.
- You do not need to apply – ignore any emails, texts or calls asking you to apply
- The discount is applied automatically by your energy supplier
From October the money will be credited (in phases) to the accounts of:
- Direct debit customers
- Credit customers
Customers with pre-payment meters will have the money applied to their meter or paid by a voucher.
What other help will people on benefits get?
A £650 payment will be made as an automatic payment (you do not apply) into the bank accounts of those claiming:
- Universal credit
- Tax credits
- Pension credit
- Other means-tested benefits
It will be paid in two instalments - the first in July and the second in the autumn. Payments for those on tax credits only, will follow shortly afterwards.
Those on disability benefits will receive £150 in September, which may be on top of the £650 payment, because many may have high energy usage.
Anyone receiving the following benefits will be entitled to the extra £150:
- Disability Living Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment
- Attendance Allowance
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- War Pension Mobility Supplement
What extra help will pensioners get for winter fuel bills?
Households that get the Winter Fuel Payment will receive an extra £300 in November or December.
Lower-income pensioners who claim pension credit, will receive the money in addition to the £650 support for those on benefits which is mentioned above.
A small group of pensioners with disabilities will receive a total of £1,500 when all the new payments and discounts they are eligible for are added up.
Please ensure you look at our 'Money help and advice' webpage for more information.
If you are at all worried or unsure then please talk to us using the form below: