The Winter Fuel Payment is now linked to Pension Credit. This means for the first time some people over State Pension age will not get the tax-free allowance, worth up to £300. If this is you - or someone you know - and you’re likely to struggle with the cost of heating, here is the other help available.  

I’ve been told in the past I can’t get Pension Credit, what should I do?

If you have been told in the past that you can’t get Pension Credit, but your circumstances have changed, – it’s worth checking again to see if you are now entitled and might still qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment. Your circumstances could have changed if you’ve had a drop in income, become newly single or moved in with a new partner.

Everyone who was eligible for Pension Credit during the ‘qualifying week’ of 16 to 22 September 2024 will get this year’s payment. Pension Credit can be backdated by up to three months, so if you’re eligible and apply on or before 21 December 2024 you can still get this year’s payment.

The quickest way to check if you qualify is to call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234 or use the Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK.

How can I save on my heating costs?

If you’re already worried about the cost of heating your home, the first thing to do is check if you can cut your heating costs by switching tariffs. There are now a few fixed deals available at the price cap or slightly below it, so keep a close eye on prices. Try using comparison websites and be ready to switch when better deals become available.   You can compare energy deals using comparison sites, such as: 

• MoneySavingExpert’s Cheap Energy Club
• Which?

If you’re not sure how best to access comparison sites or would value some help, you can access impartial advice if you’re thinking of switching. Here are the key organisations that can help:

• In England or Wales call the Citizens Advice Consumer Service: 0808 223 1133
• In Northern Ireland call the Consumer Council: 0800 121 6022 
• In Scotland call Home Energy Scotland: 0808 080 2282

Can I get help from my energy supplier?

Yes. If you can’t switch to a cheaper deal, or you’re on the cheapest deal available check with your supplier if there is any more support they can give. 

For example if you qualify, you can sign up for the free Priority Services Register (PSR) a service that helps utility companies look after customers who need extra help. 

If you are over pension age, have an illness or disability or care for vulnerable people living in your home, you are eligible to join. By joining the PSR you can get priority help in the event of a power cut, connection to emergency services and help if your energy supply is interrupted.

Can I get any grants to help with my bills?

Ofgem helps you find schemes, grants and benefits that will help with both the cost of bills and energy-saving measures. If you are not sure who to contact, you can find your energy supplier on Ofgem’s dedicated page.

The charity Turn2Us has a helpful grants checker which can match your information to grants you might qualify for.  You can also check Citizens Advice, which has a list of grants offered by some larger suppliers.

Can I get any grants to help make my home more energy efficient?

There are a range of grants to help people make their homes more energy efficient. One of the key sources of help is the government’s “Help to Heat Scheme” which has separate measures that are delivered by local authorities, energy suppliers, and installers. 

This includes a boiler upgrade and an insulation scheme, as well as home upgrade schemes if you don’t have a gas boiler. Each initiative has different eligibility criteria depending on your home and circumstances so it’s best to check each one to see if it’s right for you. Find an overview of the help available on GOV.UK.

How can I use less energy but still stay warm?

With energy prices creeping up, the only sure way to keep your costs down is to use less energy, which you can do safely by using energy more efficiently Here are some quick ideas to help you: 

• Close your curtains and use draft excluders to stop heat escaping.
• Use your washing machine or dishwasher at a lower temperature, or run them on the ‘eco’ setting – and avoid putting the washing on when you don’t have a full load.
• Get into the habit of switching off lights when you leave a room and switching off electrical items instead of leaving them on standby According to the Energy Saving Trust you could save around £45 in Great Britain and £70 in Northern Ireland annually just by remembering to turn your appliances off standby. 

For more help on how to reduce your energy bill you can visit The Energy Saving Trust which has a range of tips to save energy. 

What can I do if I think I will miss a payment?

Energy bills are priority payments because it’s important to stay safe and warm, so you should always focus on these bills before less important debts. The regulator responsible for energy companies has rules that say suppliers must work with you to agree on a payment plan you can afford.  

You can ask your supplier for a review of your current payments and how to pay back any arrears, such as more time to pay and access to hardship funds. See more about asking for help from your supplier on Ofgem if you’re struggling with bills and payments, our quick, easy-to-use  Bill prioritiser  helps you understand which bills and payments to deal with first and how to avoid missing any payments. 

If you’ve already missed essential bills or payments, or if you’re behind with other debts, it’s important to get help as soon as you can.

Can I get Attendance Allowance to boost my income?

If you’re over State Pension age and need help with personal care because of an illness or disability you might be able to claim Attendance Allowance. You can apply even if you don’t already get any help, it is based on whether you need it,so you can apply regardless of your income, savings or if you own your own home.   

It has two weekly rates: £72.65 and £108.55 based on your level of need. You can apply online on GOV.UK. You can use the money towards extra care or heating costs – whatever helps to make your daily life more manageable.

If you’re in need of a new boiler and receive Attendance Allowance then there is a good chance you could qualify for a grant to help you get a free boiler upgrade for your home. through the Government’s ECO scheme. You can find out more about the scheme and if you qualify.

Is there any more help – I’m really struggling?

If you’re on a low income you can also apply for help from the Household Support Fund, if you’re eligible. for rules on who can apply. The fund is available until 31 March 2025. Also see  Living on a squeezed income  for how to save money on household bills.

Look for free “Warm Spaces”

Councils across the country are opening community spaces for people to keep warm for free during the day during the colder months. You can find out more about free Warm Welcome Spaces.