Local authority
Council Tax Reduction
Council Tax Reduction lowers your council tax bill if you are on a low income or get certain benefits. Each council runs its own scheme, so you apply to your local council and the rules depend on where you live.
Help with energy bills
Schemes that help with gas, electricity and heating costs.
What to check first
- Tell your supplier first if you cannot pay. They must offer you a payment plan, and being on their priority services register brings extra protection.
- Check whether you qualify for a discount scheme through your supplier — several are applied automatically, but only if the supplier has the right information about you.
- Cold weather and winter heating payments are usually paid automatically if you receive a qualifying benefit, which is another reason to check your benefit entitlement.
- Your council and local charities often run their own crisis schemes for energy debt.
What you may be able to claim
Each of these has its own rules. Open a page to see what it is, who runs it, and where the official guidance lives.
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Department for Work and Pensions
Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a monthly payment to help with your living costs if you are on a low income, out of work or cannot work. It is replacing older benefits such as Housing Benefit and income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance.
Where to get help in person
We are an information site. If a decision has gone against you, or you are not sure what applies to your situation, free independent advice is available and it is worth using.
- Citizens Advice can look at your actual circumstances and help with forms and appeals.
- Your council's welfare or housing team runs local schemes that are not advertised nationally.
- Many charities run advice lines for specific conditions and situations.
None of them charge, and none of them will ask you to pay to make a claim.