Help With Bill Paying What You Need To Know
If you are struggling to pay your bills, then have a look at our guide and see what you can do to avoid serious problems.
In today’s challenging economic climate, many individuals and families find it increasingly difficult to afford their energy bills. However, there are several strategies and resources available to help alleviate this financial burden. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various options and support systems that can assist you in managing and paying your energy bills. It is important to remember that reaching out to your energy supplier and seeking assistance is the first step towards finding a viable solution.
What to Do If You Can’t Afford Your Energy Bills
If you find yourself unable to cover the costs of your gas or electricity bills, it is crucial to take immediate action. While it may be uncomfortable, contacting your energy supplier is the most effective way to seek assistance. Your supplier can provide valuable information about available payment plans, alternative tariffs, and access to hardship funds. Additionally, they can help you explore options such as monthly direct debit payments or setting up a different payment arrangement that suits your financial situation.
For individuals facing urgent financial crises, several organizations can offer immediate help and guidance. Citizens Advice is a reliable resource that provides free, independent advice on debt management. MoneyHelper, a government-backed initiative, provides valuable money guidance and support. National Energy Action is an organization dedicated to helping individuals who cannot afford to heat their homes. National Debtline and StepChange are charities that offer free advice to people struggling with debt problems.
Energy Supplier Payment Plans
If you are unable to pay the full amount of your energy bills, contacting your supplier to explain your financial situation is crucial. Energy suppliers are required to take certain steps before disconnecting your supply. By agreeing to a regular payment plan and adhering to its terms, you can avoid having your supply cut off. These payment plans typically cover the outstanding debt as well as the estimated energy usage moving forward. Your energy supplier will take into account your financial circumstances, including your income, debt, and personal situation, to determine a suitable payment plan.
To ensure accurate billing, it is essential to provide regular meter readings. If you do not have a smart meter, manually submitting meter readings will help ensure that you are billed accurately and avoid any surprises in the future.
Paying Energy Debt Through Your Benefits
If you are eligible, you may be able to pay off your energy debt gradually using the Fuel Direct scheme, also known as ‘third party deductions.’ This scheme automatically deducts a fixed payment from your benefits, which goes towards paying off your debt while also contributing to your current energy usage. To determine your eligibility and set up the Fuel Direct scheme, consult the relevant government resources. Additionally, you can seek guidance from Citizens Advice on how to utilize your benefits to make energy payments.
Paying Energy Debt with a Prepayment Meter
For individuals with prepayment meters, pay-as-you-go energy can be an effective way to manage energy expenses. If you are struggling to top up your prepayment meter, contacting your supplier is essential to find a solution that keeps your energy supply running. Your supplier may offer emergency credit, allow someone else to top up your meter on your behalf, add a discretionary fund to your account, or provide a pre-loaded top-up card. It is important to keep in mind that any credit given by your supplier will need to be repaid eventually.
Benefits and Schemes to Help Pay Energy Bills
The government offers various schemes and benefits aimed at making energy bills more affordable. These include the Winter Fuel Payment, which provides an annual tax-free lump sum to assist with winter energy costs for individuals aged 66 and over. The Warm Home Discount offers a £150 reduction on energy bills for those receiving the guaranteed element of Pension Credit. Additionally, the Cold Weather Payment provides extra help with energy bills during periods of extremely low temperatures. Individuals who qualify can also access grants to make their homes more energy-efficient through the Energy Company Obligation.
To determine your eligibility for government schemes and benefits, visit the Gov.uk website. It is important to note that there are also cost-of-living support payments available to help households cope with increasing utility payments. Consult our guide on the energy price cap and extra payments for vulnerable households to learn more about the support available.
Help from Energy Companies
Many energy suppliers have made commitments to provide better support to customers facing financial difficulties. These commitments include promoting available support services, offering alternative contact methods for customers in financial distress, striving for accurate billing, and prioritizing the installation of smart meters for prepayment customers. It is advisable to review your energy company’s code of practice to understand their policy on assisting customers in difficult circumstances. You can find this information on their website or by contacting their customer service department.
Additionally, several energy companies have independent charitable trusts that offer grants to customers struggling with fuel arrears. These grants can help alleviate the financial burden and ensure continued access to energy services. Examples of energy companies with charitable trusts include British Gas, Eon Next, EDF, Octopus Energy, Ovo Energy, Scottish Power, Shell Energy, SSE Energy Services, Utilita, and Utility Warehouse. If you are unable to secure a grant from your own supplier, it is worth exploring whether you are eligible for assistance from the British Gas Energy Trust, which provides grants to anyone in need, regardless of their supplier.
Energy Billing Problems
Inaccurate and erratic billing can contribute to accumulating debts. If you receive a large bill after a significant period without any invoices, it is important to contact your supplier. They should be willing to arrange a repayment plan that allows you to gradually repay the debt over the same period it accrued. Energy suppliers are not permitted to back-bill for energy used more than 12 months ago, provided they were at fault for the delay in billing. However, if you have impeded your supplier’s ability to take accurate meter readings, such as by tampering with your meter or refusing access, they may have grounds to back-bill you for energy consumed.
To avoid substantial debts, it is crucial to proactively contact your energy supplier when you encounter billing problems. Prompt communication ensures that any issues can be addressed promptly, preventing the accumulation of a significant debt.
More Help with Energy Bills
If you are struggling to keep up with household bills and are facing mounting debt, our guide on how to deal with debt provides practical advice and information on organizations that can offer assistance. Additionally, you can explore local energy grants and schemes offered by your council. Visit your council’s website or consult the Gov.uk website to determine if you are eligible for any additional support. The Help to Heat page on Gov.uk provides information on various grants, including the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and Home Upgrade Grant. Furthermore, if you or someone in your household is a veteran, you may be eligible for a grant through the Royal British Legion to help cover your energy bills.
Prepayment Meter Vouchers
Individuals who cannot afford to top up their prepayment meters may be eligible to receive fuel vouchers. These vouchers, distributed via email, letters, or text messages, can be used to add credit to your gas card or electricity key. Each household can receive fuel vouchers up to three times a year, with each voucher worth up to £49. Fuel vouchers can be used at shops with PayPoint or Payzone facilities, as well as at Post Office branches. It is important to use the vouchers within the specified time frame, as they may have an expiration date. Contact your local council to inquire about obtaining fuel vouchers or to find out if you are eligible.
Struggling to pay energy bills is a common challenge faced by many individuals and families. However, there is a range of options available to help alleviate this burden. By proactively contacting your energy supplier, exploring payment plans, utilizing benefits and schemes, and seeking assistance from relevant organizations, you can take steps towards managing and paying your energy bills. Remember to regularly review and communicate with your energy supplier to prevent the accumulation of significant debts.