Financial support and practical advice to help you pay your heating and energy bills
If you’re struggling to keep up with your payments, you may be eligible for benefits, grants and help offered by the government, charities and energy suppliers.
Most energy companies offer help if you are struggling with your bills, including payment plans. Speak with your supplier as soon as possible to see if they can provide any advice or assistance. You can also get in touch with your local Citizens Advice office to find out if you are eligible for fuel vouchers and for general advice.
Helpful information about how to keep your home warm is available from the Hitting the Cold Spots helpline. This is open to all Hampshire residents.
This is a grant paid by the Government to older people and those on certain benefits to help pay for heating costs when temperatures hit zero and below in your area.
If you're eligible, you'll get £25 each time the average temperature in your area is – or is forecast to be – 0°C or below for seven days in a row between 1 November and 31 March.
You may get Cold Weather Payments if you’re getting some benefits, including Pension Credit, Income Support, Universal Credit and Jobseeker’s Allowance. If you’re eligible, you will be paid it automatically.
If you were born before 22 September 1959, you could get between £100 and £300 to help you pay your heating bills for winter 2025/2026.
If you’re eligible, you’ll get a letter in October or November saying how much you’ll get. Most eligible people will be paid in November or December 2025.
The cash payment is given to pensioner households to help with the higher cost of energy over the colder months.
Find our more about the Winter Fuel Payment
If you're not sure if you are eligible, you can email the Winter Fuel Payment Centre via their email enquiry form. You cannot claim by phone.
The Warm Home Discount is a one-off £150 discount off your electricity bill.
If you’re eligible, your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill. The money is not paid to you. You’ll usually get the discount automatically if you’re eligible.
You qualify if you either:
How and when will I get the £150?
How you get the discount depends on how you pay for your electricity.
If you're on a standard credit or smart prepayment meter: you should get an automatic one-off £150 discount on your electricity bill. You should have received a letter confirming your discount.
If you do not get a letter
Contact the Warm Home Discount Scheme if you do not get a letter by early January 2026 and you think you’re eligible.
You must contact them before 28 February 2026. Call 0800 030 9322
Anyone living in a park home and receiving Pension Credit will qualify for a £150 payment. Others can qualify if they are in receipt of benefits.
When you apply, you'll need to provide details of the benefit(s) you receive, plus income details for you and other members of your household.
The scheme is run by administrator Charis. If you're eligible, Charis Grants will request your bank or building society details (account number and sort code) which you can usually find on your debit card.
Many households may be eligible for fuel/energy vouchers up to the value of £294. Referrals can also be made to Fleet Lions for fuel vouchers.
You can apply if you are a Hampshire resident by contacting your local Citizens Advice.
Please apply if you are:
You will need to provide the following proof: photo ID, proof of address, energy bill and photo of meter
Hitting the Cold Spots is the free advice service available to Hampshire residents to help you keep warm at home and reduce your energy bills. Hampshire County Council runs the scheme with charity The Environment Centre.
Telephone: 0800 804 8601 – Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm
The Trust can provide grants for people struggling to pay their energy bills. You don’t have to be a British Gas customer to qualify.
To apply, visit https://britishgasenergytrust.org.uk