Will there be any payments made this winter to help with energy bills?  

Mouthy Money Your Questions Answered panelist, Vix Leyton, answers a reader’s questions on the support available for those struggling to pay with their energy bills. 

Q Will there be more help with energy bills this winter for households? 

A In a word, no. In fact for some people, it unfortunately has the potential to be a little bit worse.  

There is help with energy bills on offer for households struggling with costs this winter, but it’s not as generous as what was in place last year. This help is now squarely aimed at the most vulnerable, which is bad news for those hit by the cost of living crisis who are just keeping their heads above water.  

During the peak of the energy crisis, the government rolled out big schemes offering immediate relief, like the Energy Price Guarantee and the £400 Energy Bill Support Scheme which made a real difference for millions of people.  This was alongside separate cost-of-living payments for those on low incomes. 

But with these programmes all changing and wrapping up, a lot of people are worried about how they’ll manage with their still-high energy bills, especially as the colder months approach. 

One of the biggest changes is undoubtedly the much contested restriction of the Winter Fuel payment which is now being means tested. Means testing, whilst a cost saver that stops unnecessary payments going to people who are financially secure, is a blunt instrument and there will be thousands of vulnerable people who fall through the cracks. 

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One payment that is remaining is the Warm Homes Discount scheme. This takes the form of a one-off £150 payment that comes directly off your bill. It’s typically applied automatically if you are eligible, but if you are currently on a low income in Scotland, you may need to contact your energy provider directly.  

You could also be in line for the Cold Weather Payment if temperatures dip below a certain level for seven days in a row and you are already in receipt of other qualifying benefits. It’s designed to give low-income households extra financial support when it’s particularly chilly, but since it’s weather-dependent, there’s no guarantee.  

Local councils also have discretionary funds available for those in need. The Department for Work and Pensions have a multi-million pound pot set aside called the ‘Household Support Fund’ which was recently extended an extra six month from 1 October to 31 March.

The fund provides money to local authorities to deliver essential help to the most vulnerable people. You can find out how much your area was awarded at GOV.UK and check your council’s website or call their office to find out what support is available to help household bills including, but not limited to, energy bills.  

A lot of energy companies have their own support schemes available if you fall into debt. Whilst it’s not always an easy process to apply, it’s an avenue worth considering. Providers involved include British Gas, EDF, Octopus, Scottish Power and Ovo.  

Whilst it might feel like there are a lot of hoops to jump through to get the help you need to make it through the winter, it is worth knowing exactly what is available for you, and to vulnerable people you know.  

Now is the time to look at your bills and start taking measures to minimise them, whether through home hacks, switching providers, or pursuing grants and relief. If you are struggling and don’t know where to turn, the first step is to talk to your provider – as tempting as it is to hide from the brown envelopes, they will be able to support you and offer you the most immediate help and advice. 

Vix Leyton is a consumer expert and host of the money saving (and spending) podcast ‘False Economy‘  

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