Energy bills - Cost of living

If you are struggling to pay your energy bills, the first step is to contact your provider to see what options they have to support you.

Winter Fuel Payment

If you’ve reached State Pension age and receive certain benefits, you may be eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment. This is an annual one-off payment to help you pay for heating during the winter.

You’ll receive the payment if you or your partner receive one of these benefits:

  • Pension Credit
  • Universal Credit
  • income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
  • Income Support
  • Child Tax Credit
  • Working Tax Credit

If you’re eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment, you’ll receive a letter in October or November each year stating your payment amount. This will usually be paid automatically in November or December.

If you don’t receive a letter by early December and you think you're eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment, you can still make a claim. You must make your claim before 31 March 2025. Check how to make a claim for a Winter Fuel Payment on GOV.UK.

Libraries in West Sussex offer free access to computers or Wi-Fi. Digital volunteers can provide free one-to-one support by appointment. Contact your local library to find out more or email library.digital.support@westsussex.gov.uk

The county council’s Community Hub offers information, advice and guidance to those experiencing financial hardship. Residents can visit our Community Hub page or phone 033 022 27980.

Energy bill discounts

The Government has also announced the reopening of the Warm Home Discount scheme which will provide a discount of £150 off electricity bills for three million low-income households this winter. Most households will receive the discount automatically.

Further information is available on GOV.UK, which includes an online tool to check what discounts you may be eligible for.

Community Hub

If you are struggling to pay your energy bills you can apply via our Community Hub for emergency fuel vouchers.

West Sussex Affordable Energy

The West Sussex Affordable Energy website has details of home energy advisors, heating and insulation grants and other support available in your local area.

Warmer Homes programme

Funding is available to help residents in West Sussex make their homes more energy efficient and to reduce their bills. Subject to eligibility, the Government funded Warmer Homes programme could pay for energy efficiency measures such as insulation, solar panels and air source heat pumps.

Being more energy efficient

You can help reduce your energy bills by following our top tips for being more energy efficient.