Cold Weather Payments

Older people and those on specific benefits in England and Wales will get £25 for each seven-day period between November and the end of March, when the average temperature is below freezing.

For those in Scotland this has been replaced by a £50 one-off payment made to everyone who qualifies in February, regardless of how low the temperature gets.

The local council

The Household Support scheme in England is available from the local council and is designed to help people in especially desperate circumstances.

Each local authority will have specific criteria and an application process, so individuals should contact their council to find out more.

A person can find out who their local council is on the Government website.

Other support from energy suppliers

Ofgem rules mean suppliers have to offer several options to help people struggling to pay their bills.

This includes an affordable payment plan, payment reductions or time to pay, with the option to switch to a prepayment meter.

People who have spoken to their supplier but still can’t cover their bills can contact a debt charity like StepChange or Citizens Advice for more guidance.