If you’re worried about energy bills, it can be helpful to know what help schemes are returning this winter – and what you are eligible for
Energy bills are rising again this winter(Image: Westend61 via Getty Images)
Energy bills are forecast to rise again this winter in a worry for millions of struggling households.
The Ofgem price cap is set to rise by 4% from this October, taking the typical yearly energy bill for a household that pays by direct debit from £1,663 to £1,723 this October.
But experts are expecting another rise this January which will hit households in the depths of winter. Energy firms including EDF, British Gas and E.ON Next predict that price cap could jump by more than 20% in January.
We won’t know for sure how much energy bills will rise by until Ofgem announces its next price cap, which will be confirmed by November 25.
But if you’re worried about your bills, it can be helpful to know what help schemes are returning this winter – and what you are eligible for.
Winter Fuel Payment – £300
Winter Fuel Payments are paid to pensioners and are worth between £100 and £300. You will be eligible if you were born on or before June 27, 1960 – but if you earn over £35,000, you will have to pay your Winter Fuel Payment back.
HMRC will claim the money back by adjusting your tax code or through self-assessment. This earnings threshold applies per person, not per household.
Winter Fuel Payments are typically sent in November or December. You will receive a letter telling you how much you are entitled to and if you are eligible, the payments will be made automatically. You do not need to apply for it.
Warm Home Discount – £150
The Warm Home Discount scheme gives eligible households £150 off their electricity bill. This is applied directly to your energy account, as opposed to a bank transfer, or as a voucher if you’re a prepayment customer.
You must be claiming a qualifying means-tested benefit such as Pension Credit or Universal Credit to get the Warm Home Discount. If you believe you should qualify but you do not receive a letter, you should contact your energy supplier. The scheme reopens in October.
There is no Warm Home Discount in Northern Ireland. There is an Affordable Warmth Scheme which provides grants to help improve the energy efficiency of your home.
Cold Weather Payment – £25
Cold Weather Payments are issued when the average temperature is recorded as, or forecast to be, 0C or below over seven consecutive days.
Each payment is worth £25, although you can get multiple payments if you go through several spells of freezing weather. This scheme is set to reopen in November.
You need to be living in England or Wales and claiming certain benefits or Support for Mortgage Interest to be eligible for a Cold Weather Payment.
If you live in Scotland, you might be entitled to a Winter Heating Payment instead, worth £59.75.
Other energy bill help
If you are worried about falling behind on your bills, talk to your energy provider as soon as possible. They should be able to offer you help such as a payment plan, payment breaks and affordable debt repayments.
Most of the major energy firms also offer hardship funds or grants for people who are in energy debt. Finally, several charities can offer you support and guidance if you are struggling to pay for your energy, or if you are in energy debt.
