Help with household bills

TV Licence

If you’re over 75 and receive Pension Credit you could get a free TV licence.

If you don’t receive Pension Credit, you could spread your payments to pay less, more regularly using the Simple Payment Plan. 

Qualifying customers can make fortnightly or monthly payments to spread cost of a TV Licence over 12 months.

It means you make smaller payments more frequently, helping you to better manage your finances. 

TV Licensing accepts referrals to the Simple Payment Plan from not-for-profit organisations such as charities.

There are other TV licence concessions, which you might be eligible for depending on your circumstances.

Water bills

If you have a low income or are struggling to pay your bills can apply for financial support from your water provider.

• Help to pay - Thames Water
• Help paying your bill – South East Water

Grants for energy debt

If you’re in debt to your energy supplier, you might be able to get a grant to help pay it off.

Open to customers of all suppliers:

• British Gas Energy Trust, individuals and families fund – get up to £1,500 depending on your situation – apply via the British Gas Energy Trust website

Open to customers of the named supplier:

• British Gas Energy Trust Energy Support Fund – apply via the British Gas Energy Trust website
• EDF Energy Customer Support Fund – apply on the 'Let's Talk' web form or by call 0800 269 450 
• E.on Next Energy Fund – apply on the 'Let's Talk' web form 
• Octopus Energy Octo Assist Fund – apply on the Octopus web form (you must be logged into your account)
• Ovo Energy Hardship Scheme – call 0330 303 5063 or use the live chat 
• Scottish Power Hardship Fund – apply via the Scottish Power's web form
• Shell Energy Support Fund - call Shell on 0330 094 5800
• Utility Warehouse Customer Support Scheme (in partnership with Citizens Advice) - call Utility Warehouse on 0333 777 0777

If your supplier isn’t listed it’s a good idea to contact them directly to see what extra support they can give you.

Internet

Ofgem has a list of social tariffs for broadband which you may be eligible for if you receive other support like Pension Credit.