Struggling with household bills? Support may be available

With the cost of household and life necessities seemingly always on the rise, many households are finding it increasingly difficult to keep up with essential bills.

If you’re struggling to pay for energy, water, rent, or other household costs, help may be available.

Energy bills

With the energy prices constantly rising, gas and electricity bills are understandably a concern for many. If you are struggling to pay your energy bills, here’s where you can find help:

Energy supplier support and payment plans

If you’re struggling to pay your bill, contact your supplier as soon as possible. Energy companies are required to offer affordable payment plans and may provide temporary relief, such as payment holidays or debt repayment plans.

Warm Home Discount Scheme

If you’re on a low income or receive certain benefits, you might qualify for the Warm Home Discount. Currently (2025) this provides up to £150 off your electricity bill.

• If you are on low income and live in England or Wales, check your eligibility.
• If you are on low income and live in Scotland, you will need to apply directly through your energy supplier. Find out more.

The scheme will reopen for applications in October 2025.

Winter Fuel Payment & Cold Weather Payment

• Winter Fuel Payment: a tax-free payment of £250–£600 for people born before 25 September 1957. Find out more.
• Cold Weather Payment: if temperatures drop to freezing for seven consecutive days, you may receive £25 per week if you are eligible. Find out more.

Household Support Fund

Local councils offer help with energy and other essential costs through the Household Support Fund. Contact your local authority for details.

Water bills

Water suppliers have schemes to assist customers in financial difficulty. These include:

• Social tariffs: many water companies offer reduced rates for low-income households.
• WaterSure Scheme: if you receive benefits and use a high amount of water (e.g., due to a medical condition), your bill could be capped. Visit your water supplier’s website for more details and eligibility for this scheme.

There are different regulated companies in the water and wastewater sector depending on the region you live in. You can use this postcode checker to find your supplier.

You can also find further support for help with water bills on the Consumer Council for Water (CCW) website.

Rent & mortgage support

Housing benefit and universal credit

If you’re on a low income, Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit may help with rent. Check your eligibility via GOV.UK.

Discretionary housing payments (DHP)

If Housing Benefit or Universal Credit doesn’t cover your full rent, your local council may provide extra help through Discretionary Housing Payments. To apply for Discretionary Housing Payment, you need to contact your local council.

Mortgage support

If you’re struggling with mortgage payments:

• Contact your lender for temporary forbearance or payment holiday options.
• Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI): a government loan that helps pay interest on your mortgage. Find out more here.

Council tax support

If you’re on a low income or receiving benefits, you might qualify for Council Tax Reduction. Discounts and exemptions may also apply if you’re a student, live alone, or have a disability. Apply through your local council.

Help with food and essentials

Food banks and community support

If you need emergency food, organisations such as the Trussell Trust and independent food banks can help. Some local councils and charities also offer vouchers for groceries.

Find a food bank near you via the Trussell Trust.

Community grocery and social supermarkets

For a low membership fee, these organisations offer discounted food to members. Check organisations like Community Grocery UK or local charities for options.

Debt support & financial advice

If you’re struggling to manage multiple bills or debts, free advice is available:

• Citizens Advice – free advice on debt and financial issues.
• StepChange – debt advice and support for managing payments.
• National Debtline – free and confidential debt advice.
• Turn2Us – support for those in financial hardship, including grants and benefits advice.

These organisations can help negotiate affordable payment plans and provide budgeting guidance.

If you’re struggling with household bills, you’re not alone. The key is to act early, speak to your suppliers, explore available benefits, and reach out to support organisations. Financial difficulties can feel overwhelming, but help is available.