Energy Financial Support

If you are experiencing financial difficulty and paying your energy bill is a concern, there is help available.

Your energy supplier has a legal duty to offer financial assistance, and there are various sources of advice, and funding providers, to reach out to.

Utility companies offer help to customers who have large arrears on their gas, electricity or water bills. Some companies can also financially contribute to energy related costs such as white goods to heating repairs through ‘Further Assistance Payments’. See if your energy provider can offer you some help:

Your energy company may not be listed here, but you will be able to find their contact details on your most recent bill, or on their website.

Warm Homes Discount

The UK Government's Warm Home Discount scheme can provide up to £150 off your energy bill over winter.

The money is not paid to you - it’s a one-off discount applied to your electricity bill between early October 2023 and 31 March 2024.

You’ll usually get the discount automatically if you’re eligible.

Learn more about the Warm Home Discount scheme at GOV.UK.

Cold Weather Payment

If you claim certain benefits, you could get £25 for each consecutive 7-day period where the average temperature in your area is 0°C or below.

Learn more about the Cold Weather Payment at GOV.UK.

Winter Fuel Payment

If you were born on or before 25 September 1957 you could get between £250 and £600 to help you pay your heating bills.

The amount you get includes a ‘Pensioner Cost of Living Payment’. This is between £150 and £300. You’ll get this extra amount in winter 2023 to 2024. This is in addition to any other Cost of Living Payments you get with your benefit or tax credits.

Most people get the Winter Fuel Payment automatically if they’re eligible. If you’re eligible, you’ll get a letter in October or November saying how much you’ll get.

If you do not get a letter but you think you’re eligible, check if you need to make a claim.

Learn more about Winter Fuel Payments at GOV.UK.

Fuel Direct

If you wish, you could have your energy bill paid directly out of any benefits you may claim: This could also help you pay back any debt to the provider.

Learn more about Fuel Direct at GOV.UK.

Please visit Help for Households - Get government cost of living support and find out more information on what support is available to help with the cost of living.

South-East Water- help paying your water bill

If you're struggling to pay your water bill, South-East Water have a range of tariffs or options that will help with the costs and make your payments more manageable.

What support can I get?

Is your household income less than £18,005 (not including any disability or housing benefits)?
Are you in receipt of a qualifying benefit and have either:
Three or more children under the age of 19 living at home? Or:
Someone in your household has a medical condition that means you need to use more water?
Do you live alone or in a bedsit or sheltered accommodation?

If the answer is yes to any of these questions and you find yourself struggling to pay your water bill, have any money worries or receive benefits there are lots of ways South-East Water can help.

Call South-East Water on 0800 952 4000 (Monday to Friday between 8am - 7pm) for confidential advice and support.

Visit South-East Water for more information here- Help paying your water bill | South East Water