There is a wide range of support available from the government to help households with the cost of living. The following list is a guide to the main support schemes. More information can be found on GOV.UK about each government support scheme.
Energy Price Guarantee
The Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) protects customers from increases in energy costs by limiting the amount suppliers can charge per unit of energy used.
The EPG has been extended for an additional 3 months at its current level from April to the end of June. This will bring a typical household energy bill for dual-fuel gas and electricity down to around £2,500 per year in Great Britain.
Visit GOV.UK for an energy bills support factsheet.
Energy Bill Support Scheme Discount
£400 off energy bills for households in Great Britain. This automatic, non-repayable discount will be applied in six instalments between October 2022 and March 2023.
Visit GOV.UK to get the energy bills Support Scheme discount.
Cost of Living Payment
2022 to 2023
Households on means tested benefits, including Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Tax Credits, will receive a payment of £650 this year, paid automatically in 2 instalments.
2023 to 2024
The government has announced further Cost of Living Payments between spring 2023 and spring 2024. These payments are:
- £301 for people on an eligible low income benefit, to be paid during spring 2023
- £150 for people on an eligible disability benefit, to be paid during summer 2023
- £300 for people on an eligible low income benefit, to be paid during autumn 2023
- £300 for pensioner households, to be paid during winter 2023 to 2024
- £299 for people on an eligible low income benefit, to be paid in spring 2024
Visit GOV.UK for the Cost of Living Payment.
Council Tax Support Fund
The government is providing the council with funding in 2023 to 2024 to support some households with their Council Tax payments.
Visit our Council Tax Support Fund page for more information.
Winter fuel Payment
Help with heating bills for those born on or before 25 September 1956. The amount of Winter Fuel Payment you will get for winter 2022 to 2023 depends on your circumstances
Visit GOV.UK for the Winter Fuel Payment.
Cold Weather Payment
Help with heating bills if you receive certain benefits and if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees Celsius or below over 7 consecutive days.
Visit GOV.UK for the Cold Weather Payment.
Warm Home Discount Scheme
£150 off your electricity bill for winter 2022 to 2023 paid to your supplier. Those who get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, or those who are on a low income and have high energy costs, are eligible.
Visit GOV.UK for the Warm Home Discount Scheme.