Help with energy bills

Check what help you could get with your energy bill.

Winter Fuel Payment

You could get between £250 and £600 to help towards your heating bills.

To get the payment, you need to be born before 25 September 1957.

Check if you can get the Winter Fuel Payment.

Warm Home Discount

You can get £150 off your electricity bill if you qualify for the Warm Home Discount scheme.

To get it you need to either:

• get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit
• be on a low income and meet your energy supplier's criteria

Check if you can get the Warm Home Discount.

Winter Heating Payment

Winter Heating Payment has replaced Cold Weather Payment in Scotland. It helps people on low income benefits who might have extra heating needs.

It’s paid once a year. The payment for winter 2023 to 2024 is £55.05.

Most people do not need to apply. You’ll get this payment automatically if you qualify. 

You could qualify if you get certain benefits, like:

• Pension Credit
• Income Support
• Income Based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income Related Employment and Support Allowance
• Universal Credit
• Support for Mortgage Interest

Check if you can get the Winter Heating Payment.

Child Winter Heating Payment 

Child Winter Heating Payment used to be called Child Winter Heating Assistance. It helps disabled children, young people and their families who might have extra heating needs.

It’s paid once a year. The payment for winter 2023-2024 is £235.70. 

Most people do not need to apply. You’ll get this payment automatically if you qualify. 

Check if you can get the Child Winter Heating Payment.

Scottish Welfare Fund Crisis Grant

The Scottish Welfare Fund is made up of 2 different grants.

One of these is a Crisis Grant. It can help to cover heating costs in an emergency.

You can only apply through your local council. You cannot apply through the Scottish Government.

Find out more about the Scottish Welfare Fund.

Check you’re paying the right amount for your energy bills

If you think you’re paying too much for energy, contact the Money Talk Team. They can make sure you're not paying too much for gas or electricity.

The Money Talk Team service offers free money and debt advice.

The service can help you understand what you’re entitled to and ways to save money.

It can help you find out:

• what benefits and other financial support you may be entitled to
• how you can manage debt
• ways to save money on your bills

You can get more information on the Money Talk Team website or by calling 0800 028 1456. You can also visit your local Citizens Advice Scotland for in person support.

Help to make your home warmer

Get practical advice to help make your home warmer.

Funding for energy saving home improvements

Check if you get a grant or loan for energy saving improvements.

More help with energy costs

You could also get more help from these organisations:

• Advice Direct Scotland offers advice on managing your bills and getting help with your finances
• Age Scotland has guidance on energy and how to reduce your bills
• Citizens Advice Scotland can help you agree a payment plan with your supplier or help you pay off your debts through your benefits
• Energy Saving Trust Scotland helps you save energy and reduce your bills
• Fuel Bank Foundation can help you with money for your pre-payment meter
• Net Zero Scotland gives advice on how to save energy, reduce waste, travel smarter and eat greener