Seven ways to get up to £5,700 free cash for energy bills as millions miss out on Winter Fuel Payment

More than 10 million people are set to miss out on the Winter Fuel Payment this year due to changes in the eligibility rules, but there are other ways to get free cash to help with energy bills

Householders have been given a heads-up on other avenues for energy bill support this winter that could add up to a hefty £5,710. It comes as the eligibility changes for the Winter Fuel Payment threaten to sideline 10 million people from receiving a vital £300 benefit.

The overhaul by Chancellor Rachel Reeves now means only those on means-tested benefits will be deemed eligible for the tax-free payment, a change set to leave 10 million pensioners in the cold.

Charitable organisations and the rival politicians have voiced their opposition loud and clear. Nonetheless, Labour stands firm, arguing that tough measures are essential to tackle Britain's financial straits, including an alleged £22 billion hole in public finances left by the last government.

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Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was quizzed on the cuts by Susanna Reid on GMB, admitting: "Well, it's tough and I think the first thing to say and to explain is why we had to do it."

"We inherited a really damaged economy, we did an audit and we discovered an undisclosed £22billion black hole this year, which we have to fix.'", reports the Express.

For those worried about upcoming energy bills, it's paramount to tap into the range of financial support out there.

PENSION CREDIT

An alarmingly high number of around 800,000 folks haven't claimed Pension Credit despite being entitled a pivotal boost for those needing help with living costs, such as ground rent or service charges.

To qualify, your weekly income must be less than roughly £218 if you're single. For couples where both partners are of state pension age, the combined weekly income should be less than about £350.

This benefit is distinct from your state pension and eligibility isn't influenced by other income, savings or home ownership.

Besides financial aid, Pension Credit also offers access to social tariffs, the Warm Home Discount, cheaper broadband, free TV licences, reduced water bills and the Winter Fuel Payment. When applying for this benefit, it's crucial to indicate whether you're single or living with a partner.

The benefit acts as an income supplement, potentially providing £218.15 per week for singles or £332.95 for couples.

Additional weekly support of £81.50 might be available if you have a disability or claim certain benefits. Applications for Pension Credit can be made online, over the phone or by post.

You can start your application up to 4 months before reaching State Pension age. Although applications can be submitted any time after reaching State Pension age, they can only be backdated by 3 months.

This means that your first payment could include up to 3 months of Pension Credit if you were eligible during that period.

WARM HOME DISCOUNT

The Warm Home Discount, which provides a one-off £150 reduction on your electricity bill, is another benefit accessible through Pension Credit.

If you meet the necessary criteria, your electricity provider will apply the discount directly to your bill, rather than transferring the money to you. The scheme started accepting applications this month, but bear in mind that you may not receive the payment until March.

To qualify, you generally need to be actively claiming one of several means-tested benefits during the qualifying week, typically in August. However, if you later make a successful claim for backdated benefits, you might still qualify after this date once it's confirmed.

If you're eligible for the WHD, you should receive a letter informing you. These letters are usually sent between October and January.

It's also worth noting that a separate £150 scheme is available for those living in parked homes. Applications for this scheme opened on October 2, with the fund managed by the charity group Charis Grants.

HOUSEHOLD SUPPORT FUND

Families facing financial difficulties can seek help through the government's Household Support Fund (HSF). This scheme, funded by the Department for Work and Pensions, was first launched in 2021.

In September, it was extended for the sixth time, offering thousands of families the chance to receive additional support. The last funding round ended last month, but some local authorities may still accept applications. Each area is expected to reopen the scheme this October, with the new funding available until April 2025.

To find out what you might be eligible for, visit your local council's website.

Funds are allocated to local councils for distribution, so the amounts given out vary across the country. In the past, some families have received up to £500 in assistance.

ENERGY GRANTS

Several of the UK's largest energy suppliers offer grants to help customers who are struggling. However, eligibility criteria differ by supplier and the amount you can receive is based on your financial situation.

For example, British Gas previously offered an energy grant scheme, with the most financially strained households receiving up to £2,000. The company has also introduced a debt reduction scheme called 'You Pay: We Pay'.

Customers facing difficulties will also have the chance to have part of their debts cleared through a process known as debt matching.

Meanwhile, EDF, another supplier, has a customer support fund which typically reduces customers' bills by £1,250. This is available to vulnerable customers experiencing hardship.

To apply, visit EDF's website and ensure you have your account number (found on your energy bills or EDF emails) and the current debt balance on all your EDF accounts.

Check directly with your supplier to see what help is available.

PREPAYMENT METER VOUCHERS AND CREDIT

You can get temporary credit from your supplier, but you will have to pay this back.

In many cases, suppliers offer around £10 to £20 if you run out and can't top up straight away to ensure that you don't go without heat or lights. Beware that when you do top-up, this amount will be deducted.

You may also be able to get a fuel voucher through a little-known scheme. This is a code given to you in a letter, text message or email which you can use to add credit to your gas card or electricity key.

Exactly how much it is can vary, but in many cases, it's £49, and you won't have to pay it back.

If you get a fuel voucher, don't forget that when you top up, the credit will go towards paying off any debt, for example, emergency credit.

If you haven't topped up for a period of time, you may also owe standing charges, a daily flat fee for energy use that is separate from your usage. Contact your local council, food bank or Citizens Advice to find out more.

FREE ELECTRICS AND GADGETS

Octopus Energy is handing out freebies such as electric blankets as part of its Octo Assist fund.

Analysis by the firm shows that customers with electric blankets saw a 20% fall in their gas bill, while only increasing their electricity usage by 0.2% adding up to an average saving of £150 across winter.

The company is also providing free thermal cameras to eligible customers, which can be utilised to detect where heat is being lost in their homes.

FREE INSULATION AND BOILERS

Low-income households could be in line for significant discounts on boiler installations or home insulation.

For example, the Government's Energy Company Obligation scheme enables households on certain benefits to apply for energy-saving measures to be fitted in their homes.

This might encompass cavity wall or loft insulation, or even a new boiler, occasionally at no expense.

Eligibility usually hinges on receiving one of the listed benefits. Each household's needs are assessed on an individual basis, so while there's no assurance of help, it's definitely worth investigating.