Debt advice
Energy debt advice
If you are having trouble paying your energy bills, or are in debt to your energy supplier, it is essential that you contact your supplier as soon as possible to discuss the situation. If they are unaware that you are struggling then they will be unable to help you. Your supplier must give you details on how they can help you to avoid getting into debt and also advise you how to repay any money that you owe. If you cannot afford to pay off the debt in one payment your energy supplier has to offer you an affordable payment plan.
If you are already on a repayment plan and are struggling to afford the set repayments, contact your supplier to inform them you are having difficulties and ask them to reduce your payments to a more affordable level.
Use our template letter (Debt Repayment Level too high) to help you request a reduction in your repayment rates. For more information about dealing with energy debt see our leaflet: What to do when it is difficult to pay your energy bills.
If you need advice and help with contacting your energy supplier about debt, call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06. You may also be entitled to help with paying for energy bills and making your home more energy efficient from your supplier to find out more call the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99.
Benefits than can help you pay for your energy bills
You may be entitled to extra benefits that can help you pay your energy bills. Everyone over 60 years old will automatically be sent a winter fuel allowance to help with winter heating bills, this can be between £250 and £400 depending on your age and circumstances. If you receive Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance in the assessment phase and have one of the following:
- A pensioner premium, higher pensioner premium or enhanced pensioner premium
- A disability premium, enhanced disability premium or severe disability premium
- A disabled child premium
- Child Tax Credit that includes a disability or severe disability element
- A child who is under five in the family
You may be entitled to cold weather payment of £25 a week if the temperature in your local area falls below zero degrees for seven consecutive days. You will receive this payment automatically if you qualify. The Department of Work and Pensions can help you get the benefits to which you’re entitled. For older and disabled people they can even arrange a face to face appointment at home and a free benefits check. To find out more about pensions, disability and carer’s entitlement, income support and all other benefits and allowances that you may be missing out on, together with details of your local office visit the Department of Work and Pensions website at www.dwp.gov.uk or use our Help Finder.
Further advice
If you need further advice on dealing with debt visit the debt section on www.direct.gov.uk
