How to get help with energy and heating costs

By Editorial team · Updated 18 September 2026 · Applies to England

In short

If you are struggling with your bills, you can access various schemes and local funds. Check GOV.UK and speak to your local council to see what support you can get.

Grants and schemes for heating bills

Managing your household outgoings can be stressful, especially when utility prices rise. If you need help with energy costs, various schemes exist to ease the burden. This applies to England. The government removes certain costs from household bills automatically without you needing to take action. You should check GOV.UK for the current details on how these reductions apply to your household supply.

Help with gas and electric bills

When you find it difficult to pay your gas and electricity suppliers, support may be available through your regular benefit payments or local schemes. If you receive certain welfare payments, you can explore extra help via energy bill help. DWP and your local council offer various pathways to assist people on low incomes.

Check if your benefit payments include extra premiums.
Look into council funds designed for essential utility costs.
Use online calculators to check what financial support you might be missing.

Energy saving measures and help with energy costs

Making your home more energy efficient can lower your bills over time. Grants and schemes are sometimes available to help households install insulation or upgrade heating systems. You can find out more by visiting cost of living support pages to see what improvements might be funded in your area. Contact your local council to find out about local energy efficiency grants.

Support for private tenants

Renters in the private sector can also face high utility bills. If you rent your home and struggle with living costs, you might qualify for housing assistance or low-income benefits. Universal Credit can help cover housing costs, and your local council may provide additional discretionary funds for utility bills if you are facing hardship. Check help with housing for more information on renter support.

Who to contact for emergency fuel help

If you are facing an immediate fuel emergency and have no way to heat your home, you should contact your local council straight away. Local authorities run crisis and resilience funds designed to help residents who cannot afford essential energy and water bills. You can also reach out to charitable organisations or citizen advice services for guidance on emergency assistance.

Common questions

Do I need to apply for automatic energy bill reductions?

No, certain government reductions are applied automatically to household energy bills without requiring you to take any action.

Can my local council help with emergency fuel payments?

Yes, your local council may offer assistance through crisis and resilience funds for essential utility and energy costs.

Where can I check what benefits or support I am eligible for?

You can use benefit calculators and check guidance on GOV.UK to find out what financial support you can claim.

Who wrote this: Our editorial team, with AI assistance, from the official pages listed on this page. It was checked automatically for unsupported figures and copied text, but it has not yet been read by a person. If something looks wrong, please tell us.
Not advice: This is general information for England. What you can get depends on your circumstances — check with the organisation that runs the scheme before you act.