Winter warmth help

Cold weather and cold homes increase the risk of hospital admissions and death in winter, so it's important to stay warm and keep your home heated. There is financial support in place to help with you keep warm in winter. 

Winter payments

Winter fuel payment

This is an annual payment for older people.

To qualify you must receive a state pension (some exclusions apply) or get another social security benefit (not Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Child Benefit or Universal Credit).

If you qualify but haven’t received an automatic payment contact the winter fuel payment helpline:

• telephone: 0800 731 01 60.

Warm Home Discount

The Warm Home Discount (WHD) is a one-off discount on your energy bill over the winter. This year the discount is £140. It is available for 2 groups of people:

• Core group: you receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit
• Broader group: you have a low income and meet your energy supplier’s individual criteria.

Check the warm home discount suppliers information from GOV.UK  to see if your supplier gives the discount. 

Cold weather payment

The Cold weather payment is distributed if the average temperature in the area is recorded as, or forecast to be, 0 degrees Celsius or below for 7 consecutive days.

You may eligible to receive a Cold weather payment if you receive an eligible means-tested benefit; 

• Pension Credit
• Income Support
• income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Universal Credit
• Support for Mortgage Interest

You’ll receive £25 for each 7 day period of very cold weather between 1 November and 31 March.

Priority Register Service

This is a free service that offers extra support for those who are eligible; such as, priority if there is a power cut.

Ask your energy supplier about the Priority Register Service. If you don’t know who your energy supplier is you can call Western Power Distribution:

• telephone: 0800 096 30 80.

You should request to be put on their priority register as well.

Find out more about the priority service register visit the Ofgem website. 

Ways we can help you

• Affordable warmth grants: although funding is limited, those with qualifying health problems and on a low income or pass-porting benefit could receive grants for energy improvement measures in their home
• we can help with problems or disrepair for those with private landlords
• our tenants should report any problems to the repairs team. 

Other information and advice

Simple energy advice give information on how to reduce energy use, make your home more energy efficient and on any available grants:

• website: Simple Energy Advice

Energy saving trust is a trusted organisation giving information on energy efficient solutions:

• website: Energy Saving Trust

Smart energy GB is a government backed campaign giving information on the benefits of having smart metres installed in properties:

• website: Smart Energy GB

For more information on the financial support available to you

• visit or call Citizens Advice Ashfield on 03444 111 444 for help with grants and debt
• use the new Government Simple Energy Advice website to find out more information about the grants available in your area and get specific advice to improve your home.