How to access extra help with heating oil costs

4 mins read

Friday 3 April 2026

Heating oil prices have more than doubled due to the conflict in the Middle East. We know this is a real concern for families who use oil or Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) to heat their homes. Families of disabled and seriously ill children are particularly vulnerable to price rises.

The UK Government has announced additional financial support for low-income families who use oil or LPG. The Scottish Government has provided additional funds for Scotland households.

Eligibility for a payment, how to get it, and how much you will receive is different in each nation. In this article, you can find out how to apply in your country.

If you are not eligible for the direct payments, you may be able to access discretionary or other funds. We have listed these as well.

In this article

Help in England

In England, local authorities will provide help with heating oil costs as part of their Crisis Resilience Fund.

Crisis Resilience Funds became available on 1 April 2026 to help a wide range of “low-income households”. Talk to your local council to find out whether you might be eligible for support.

Help in Northern Ireland

The NI Executive is yet to announce details of the scheme or any direct payments.

In the meantime, you can try the following organisations for help and advice:

Discretionary Support – Not oil specific, but can help with living expenses in the form of an interest-free loan or a free grant.

Society of St.Vincent de Paul – their NI branch can offer direct financial assistance for items such as food and fuel. Phone: 02890351561 Email: [email protected]

Advice NI – offers independent advice and support around budgeting and debt. https://www.adviceni.net/money-debt/debt

Community Advice Centres – The Citizens Advice Bureau has a list of community advice centres across NI, who may be able to help identify further sources of support, such as local council grants:

The Oil Savings Network has suspended its savings scheme. However, they continue to offer advice and support about how to get the best prices. Freephone: 0800 111 4455

Help in Scotland

Scottish Emergency Heating Oil and LPG Scheme

Each household will be able to apply for two £300 payments in a six-month period.

The new scheme is managed by Advice Direct Scotland and aimed at low-income households who are facing increased oil and Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) heating costs. The funding prioritises households in receipt of means-tested benefits and vulnerable people in financial hardship.

The payments will be made directly to fuel suppliers, where possible, to help qualifying households to place an order. 

People on the following benefits should automatically qualify:

• Universal Credit (including Scottish Child Payment).
• Housing Benefit.
• Income Support.
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance.
• Income-based Employment and Support Allowance.
• Pension Credit.

Full details on the eligibility criteria and how to apply can be found at homeheatingadvice.scot or call 0800 048 7413. Alternatively, you can send a form via post. Applicants will need to supply evidence of eligibility. The fund will run until 30 September 2026 or until the funds run out.

If you are not eligible for the Emergency Heating scheme, you can apply for a Crisis Grant via the Scottish Welfare Fund. There is no set criteria for this Fund, but generally, the grant is for those on a low income (you do not need to be in receipt of specific benefits) and for those most in need of financial help. You have to contact your council to apply.

You can only get three Crisis Grants within a 12-month period, unless exceptional circumstances apply.

Help in Wales

People on low incomes who use heating oil or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) will be eligible for a one-off £200 payment if they are on the Council Tax Reduction Scheme. 

Local authorities will contact eligible households directly and invite them to apply.

Those in severe financial hardship who do not qualify can apply to the Discretionary Assistance Fund. The maximum award for heating oil has been increased from £500 to £750. You can now apply up to twice in a 12-month period. Applications can be made through local authorities and other fund partners like housing associations and third sector organisations, such as Citizens Advice.

Advicelink Cymru can give clear, confidential advice to those dealing with money worries or unsure what support they are eligible for: 0800 702 2020.

The Nest Warm Homes scheme offers free energy efficiency advice and improvements to low-income Welsh households: 0808 808 2244.

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