Support to help pay for energy costs if you live in Northern Ireland

This pays for work to be done to your home that makes it cheaper to run. For example, it could pay for:

•  wall, loft or floor insulation,
• draught-proofing, or
• a heating system upgrade.

You can find out if you could get the Affordable Warmth Scheme and how to apply here.

This pays £100 – £300 to help with your heating bills over winter.

Most people who are eligible to receive this payment will get it automatically during November or December.

This will be paid directly into your bank account, however, you may need to submit a claim to receive payment if:

• you’ve not received Winter Fuel Payment before
• or, you’ve deferred your State Pension since your last Winter Fuel Payment

Check if you need to submit a claim and how to do this.

You can find out more about the Winter Fuel Payment and if you can get it here.

This pays you £25 if it gets freezing (0 degrees or lower) where you live for a week or more.

If you qualify, you do not normally need to apply for this. The payment goes into the same account as your other benefits.

You can find out who can get Cold Weather Payment here. 

If you are not getting Cold Weather Payments and think you should be, you can find out what to do.

The UK Government has provided funding to support people in crisis. One of the ways the funding can be used is to support households who are struggling to purchase heating oil and LPG. 

Each Local Council has a fund to deliver crisis support. If you are eligible you could receive financial support towards purchasing fuel.

This will vary by local council, but it is likely you may be eligible if you receive a low household income and are experiencing financial hardship.

How to apply:

• Check your local council website
  Find your local council
• Look for their cost of living or hardship support schemes
  Schemes could be listed under terms such as ‘emergency help’, ‘household support’, ‘welfare support’ or ‘crisis support’.
• Apply online or contact your council directly
  Follow the guidance provided on their website
• Evidence and supporting information
  Be prepared to show proof of income, expenses and financial hardship