Emergency Prepared

Help with energy, water and heating costs

DRAFT: This guide is waiting for review. Figures and wording may change before launch.

  • Light and warmth
  • Water
  • Money and documents

If money is tight, there may be help with your bills. Many schemes are paid automatically if you get certain benefits or are of State Pension age, such as the Warm Home Discount and the Winter Fuel Payment. Others you ask for, like water social tariffs or grants from energy companies. Help is different in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Each scheme decides who it can help, so use the official links to check.

What you need

Help with bills is different in each part of the UK. Go to your part of the UK:

You do not need to give us any details. Our help with costs tool asks a few private questions and makes a list to print.

Find help with costs I may be able to get

5 private questions, then a printable list of schemes to check, like help with bills and free safety visits.

England

Wales

Nest is free to call on 0808 808 2244, Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm.

Scotland

In Scotland, water charges are collected with council tax. If you get Council Tax Reduction, your water charges may be lower too. Ask your council.

Northern Ireland

The Warm Home Discount does not run in Northern Ireland. Homes in Northern Ireland do not get a separate water bill.

What you probably already own

You do not need anything new to check for help. It helps to have these to hand:

  • Your energy bills, to see your supplier, your account number and whether you are behind.
  • Your water bill, to see your water company.
  • Letters about any benefits or your pension, if you get them.
  • A pen and paper, to note who you spoke to and what they said.

If you are behind on bills, free debt advice charities can help you deal with them. Call National Debtline on 0808 808 4000 or StepChange on 0800 138 1111. Both are free.

What to buy, if anything

Nothing. Checking for help is free. Never pay anyone to apply for a scheme for you. Official schemes and free advice services do not charge.

Be careful of calls, texts or emails that ask for bank details to “claim” a payment. Most of these payments are automatic. If you are not sure, hang up and call the official number on the scheme’s website.

Free tools and kit picks for this guide

Find help with costs I may be able to get

5 private questions, then a printable list of schemes to check, like help with bills and free safety visits.

Check flood and weather warnings and local numbers for my postcode

Flood and weather warnings near you, your power network and water company.

Common questions

Do I have to apply for the Warm Home Discount?

Usually not. Most people who can get it are paid automatically. In Scotland you may need to ask your energy supplier. If you think you should have had it, call the helpline.

Can I get help if I use heating oil or bottled gas?

You may be able to. The energy price cap does not cover heating oil or LPG. Ask your council what help it has. In Wales, the Discretionary Assistance Fund can help with heating oil.

Can you tell me if I qualify?

No. We only point to official sources. Each scheme decides who it can help. For advice about your own situation, contact Citizens Advice or another free advice service.

Local numbers

  • Power cut in England, Scotland or Wales: call 105. It is free and connects you to your local network.
  • Power cut in Northern Ireland: call NIE Networks on 03457 643643.
  • Flood warnings in England, Wales or Scotland: call Floodline on 0345 988 1188.
  • Flooding in Northern Ireland: call the Flooding Incident Line on 0300 2000 100.
  • Urgent medical help that is not an emergency: call NHS 111.
  • If someone is in danger: call 999.

Find the power network, water company and live warnings for your postcode.

Printable version

You can print this guide using your browser’s print option. It prints in black and white without the menus. See all printable checklists.

Sources

Last reviewed: . This page is a draft and has not yet been approved.