I can't heat my home
This guide covers what you can do if you cannot heat your home.
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Heat the person
Heat the human, not the home
It is often cheaper to heat your body rather than heating the room. Money Saving Expert’s guide will tell you the most economical ways to keep yourself warm this winter.
Local grant schemes
There might be local fuel grant schemes in your area. Contact a local advice organisation to see if they know about schemes to give money to help with energy bills.
Contact your local council
Your local council might have a scheme to help you save money on energy bills and keep warm and safe in cold weather.
Find your local council
Search your local council to see what support they offer.
Contact your energy company
Energy companies know people are struggling this winter.
Contact your energy company to see what help they can offer.
Energy company schemes include help like:
- Grants to help people with energy debts;
- Grants to improve the energy efficiency of your home;
- Accepting reduced payments (though this will mean you get into debt).
Energy schemes
If you are struggling to pay your energy bills, find out about the help you can get.
Household support fund
The UK Government has given funding to local councils in England and the devolved governments across the UK to support people with essential costs this winter. The type of support you can get will depend on where you live. Some schemes offer cash grants to help with food, gas, and electricity, while other might provide things like electric blankets or furniture. The Household Support Fund will run until April 2025
Contact your local council to find out what schemes they’re running and what help you can get.
Find your local council
Search your local council to see what support they offer.
Warm hubs
Warm welcome space
A network of churches, libraries and community centres across the UK are opening their doors this winter for anyone who wants to come in to the warm.
Cold weather payments
When the temperature stays below 0 degrees celsius for more than 7 days, people on certain benefits will get an automatic payment of £25.
You don’t need to do anything to claim this payment.
The benefits that qualify for Cold Weather Payments are:
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Universal Credit
- Support for Mortgage Interest
In most cases, you also need to have a young child or a disabled person living in the household. Read our guide on Cold Weather Payments to see the full rules.
Scotland
You can't get Cold Weather Payments if you live in Scotland. They have been replaced by Winter Heating Payment.
Cold Weather Payment
A Cold Weather Payment is money to help with fuel costs when the weather is very cold.
Check cold weather payments in your area
Use the Government website to see if your area is due a cold weather payment.
Winter Heating Payment (Scotland)
Winter Heating Payment is to help people on low income benefits who might have extra heating needs. Social Security Scotland pays this to people living in Scotland.
Winter Fuel Payment
A one-off payment made during the winter to help with heating costs. It is made to households that include someone over 66.
NHS help
If your health is being affected by the cold, talk to your GP surgery. Lots of GP surgeries have community prescribers who may be able to help you access support to keep warm.
Hub of Hope
Find mental health support in your area that's right for you.
Mind
Advice and general support for anyone experiencing mental health issues.