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Benefits

Help with utility bills

There are practical ways you can improve your energy efficiency to help reduce your heating costs. Residents may also be entitled to help with utility bills:


Help with fuel and energy bills

There are a range of grants and help offered by the government and energy suppliers.

Information and support is available from:

Home Energy Efficiency

The Home Energy Efficiency Team are passionate about helping you to save energy, money and carbon. We want to make sure that you feel warm and healthy in your own home all-year-round. Find out more about the different Home Energy Efficiency Schemes we have available.

Household Support Fund

The government has provided additional funding for the Household Support Fund (HSF) to support households who are struggling to pay their bills.

The aim is that the HSF should primarily be used to support households in the most need with food, energy and water bills.

Find out more about the Household Support Fund and apply online.

York Food and Fuel Voucher Scheme

If you're struggling to pay your bills you may be able to get a fuel voucher. Fuel vouchers are a contribution towards household gas, electricity and oil costs.

Food and fuel vouchers are available to York residents as part of advice and support services and where people have immediate need.

Services will discuss the best options for people depending on their circumstances. This may be an appointment or referral to another service. Advice and support will include where appropriate a benefits check, completing budgeting sheet and looking at the range of support for that person and their family.

Applications to our York Food and Fuel Voucher Scheme are considered as part of the advice and support services; and people will need to provide confirmation of their circumstances.

See details of advice and support services in York.

If people need assistance with energy bills, but do not want to contact a support service, or this is not appropriate, other support is available from:

Winter Fuel Payment

Winter Fuel Payment is designed to help you cover your heating costs over the winter months.

Winter Fuel Payment is an annual payment for households that include someone born on or before 21 September 1959 (for 2025-26).

Am I eligible for Winter Fuel Payment?

  • You are eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment in 2025-26 if:
  • you were born on or before 21 September 1959
  • you are living in England or Wales for the qualifying week.

The qualifying week is the week beginning from the third Monday in September. This is 15 to 21 September in 2025.

If your income is more than £35,000

If you have over £35,000 of taxable (gross) income per year, HMRC will take back all of your Winter Fuel Payment through either PAYE or your Self Assessment tax return.

How much you'll get

You’ll get a letter in October or November telling you how much Winter Fuel Payment you’ll get, if you’re eligible.

If you do not get a letter but think you’re eligible, check if you need to make a claim.

Any money you get will not affect your other benefits.

For more information please see Winter Fuel Payment webpage.

Cold Weather Payment

If you receive Pension Credit or certain other benefits, you're automatically paid a Cold Weather Payment when the temperature reaches 0°C (32°F) or below, for 7 days in a row. You’ll get a payment of £25 for each 7-day period of very cold weather between 1 November and 31 March.

Tell your Pension Centre or Jobcentre Plus if you think you should have received a Cold Weather Payment but haven’t.

Warm Home Discount

The Warm Home Discount is a government scheme that offers a £140 discount off your energy bill.

You can qualify for the Warm Home Discount Scheme if you:

  • get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit
  • are on a low income and meet your energy supplier’s criteria for the scheme

Find out more about the Warm Home Discount scheme (GOV.UK).

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Help with water bills

Contact Yorkshire Water for support to make your bills more affordable; they can provide payment plans, capped charges and tailored arrangements if you’re struggling to pay.

You can also get information on saving water in your home, including free products to help save water.

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Help with broadband and landline bills

Comparing and switching broadband and landline providers can reduce the cost of these bills. See guidance on the MoneyHelper website for how to save on landline and broadband bills.

Some providers offer social tariffs which are only available to customers who receive certain government benefits.

If you're claiming benefits and looking for work, talk to your Job Coach about help for job seekers to get online from the Department of Work and Pensions.

You can also find help with your internet connection and data sim cards online.

Benefits Calculator

Use our benefits calculator to make sure you are not missing out on any financial support.

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Also see

Benefits and Contributions Advisors

West Offices, Station Rise, York, YO1 6GA

Telephone: 01904 552044