How are government measures helping with energy bills?

Help for Households is a package of Government measures to support UK customers with the cost of living. Here’s our guide to the measures and what they mean for your energy bills.

The Energy Price Guarantee

The Government’s Energy Price Guarantee caps how much you’ll pay for each unit of energy you use. It means the average household, with typical energy consumption, pays £2,500.

Read more about the Guarantee and what it means for your bills.

The cost of living payment

What is it? 

A one-off £900 payment to households on means-tested benefits (listed as Universal Credit, income-based Jobseekers Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Pension Credit).

How do I get it?

If you’re on means-tested benefits, the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) will send it to you directly. You’ll receive the payment in three lump sums, to be paid directly into your bank account in spring 2023, autumn 2023 and spring 2024. There’s no need to apply for the cost of living payment - if you’re eligible, you’ll receive it automatically.

The pensioner cost of living payment

What is it?

A one-off payment of £300 to pensioner households.

How do I get it?

If you’re eligible, you would have received it at the end of 2022 alongside your Winter Fuel Payment.

Low-income benefits and tax credits

What is it?

A one-off £650 payment to households on means-tested benefits, listed as Universal Credit, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Pension Credit.

How do I get it?

If you’re eligible, you would have received the first instalment in summer 2022 and the second at the end of 2022.

The disability cost of living payment

What is it?

A one-off payment of £150 to those receiving any of the following: Attendance Allowance, Constant Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance for adults, Disability Living Allowance for children, Personal Independence Payment, Adult Disability Payment (in Scotland), Child Disability Payment (in Scotland), Armed Forces Independence Payment, or War Pension Mobility Supplement.

How do I get it?

If you’re eligible, you’d have received a one-off payment around September 2022.

What else is the Government doing?

The Government has announced a £500 million increase to the Household Support Fund. Local authorities in England deliver this to households who need it most. To find out more, contact your local council.

The Government is making more households eligible for the Warm Home Discount, so three million households will now benefit. From October, the discount will increase by £10 to £150.

If you’re in England or Wales, you’ll no longer need to apply. If you’re eligible, you’ll automatically receive it. If you live in Scotland, you’ll need to apply for it if that’s what you’ve done before.

Is there any other government support available to me?

If you’re a pensioner, or on certain means-tested benefits, there are other government initiatives open to you.  

What if I can’t pay my bill? 

If you can’t pay your energy bill, the most important thing you can do is get in touch. A member of our friendly team will tell you how we can help.