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If you’re struggling to cover your energy bills, you’re not alone.
Fortunately, there is help out there and we strongly urge you to access it if you are in vulnerable circumstances or if you are having difficulties with your bills.
Below is a list of grants, schemes and charities that can provide financial support and advice. Have a read about each and if you’re unsure which is right for you — contact our team at support@ophelos.com
Help from your energy supplier
If you are worried about energy bills, the first thing you should do is contact your supplier. They will have measures in place to support you, such as:
- A review of your payments and debt repayments.
- Payment breaks and reductions.
- Giving you more time to pay.
- Giving you access to hardship funds.
You may also be able to access Priority Service registration, a free support service for pensioners, disabled people, sick people, and those in vulnerable situations. They will be able to help you with things like reading your energy meter or getting your bills sent or copied to someone else.
If you are in debt to your energy supplier, you might be able to get a grant from a charitable trust to help pay it off.
The following energy companies offer grants and schemes that are open to anyone — you don't have to be a customer:
There are also companies who offer grants specifically for their customers:
- npower Energy Fund
- Scottish Power Hardship Fund
- Ovo Debt and energy assistance
- E.on Energy Fund
- EDF Energy Customer Support Fund
- Bulb Energy Fund
You'll have to provide detailed information about your financial situation in your application when you apply for a grant. It could take a while to complete, and it might be worth getting help from a friend or family member. You also might find it useful to talk to an adviser at Citizens Advice for help filling in forms.
Before you apply
Charitable trusts will view your application favourably if you have received debt advice before you apply. Debt advice can help you manage your debts and increase your chances of making a successful application. You can find free advice on managing debt problems and budgeting through:
Help from the government
- Winter Fuel Payment – an annual one-off fuel payment of £100 to £300 for people born on or before 26 September 1955. As of 2024, these are now means-tested, based on your income.
- Cold Weather Payment – a payment of £25 for every 7 days of very cold weather between November and March. You’ll get a payment each time the temperature drops below a specific temperature for a set period. You are only eligible if you already receive certain benefits.
- Warm Home Discount – a £140 energy bill discount for some people getting Pension Credit or some people in low-income households. Check with your supplier if they offer the Warm Home Discount.
- The government’s Fuel Direct Scheme can also help you repay a debt from benefit payments. Contact Jobcentre Plus (or your pension centre if you’re on Pension Credit) to apply.
- The Household Support Fund will be launching by the end of October to help vulnerable households with living costs over winter. We've written more on the topic here.
Charis has a benefits eligibility checker, where you can see which benefits and government schemes you are eligible for.
Turn 2 Us has a tool where you can search for grants. You might be surprised at the grants that are out there. For example, there is support for veterans or people currently serving in the armed forces from organisations such as the Royal British Legion.
Mental health services
Worrying about bills can take a huge toll on your mental health, so make sure to look after yourself and don't be afraid to ask for help.
Remember that you are not alone and support is available.
- The NHS offers help for mental health problems.
- Mind is a wonderful mental health charity.
- Samaritans run a 24/7 hotline on 116 123.
Help from Ophelos
We know that everybody's financial situation is different, so we offer the tools for individuals to manage debt in their own style. Whether it means paying in full, scheduling a payment, or breaking a balance down into manageable chunks, our platform makes it easy to explore options and reach your ideal solution. Click here and enter your reference code from any communication we've sent you to browse payment plans.
We support our users every step of the way. If you have a question or concern about your debt, or are seeking extra support, just get in touch and our friendly team will be happy to help.
- Use the live chat on our site
- Email us at support@ophelos.com
