Support coping with rising living costs
Energy and Utility Bills
If you’re struggling with rising energy costs you’re not alone.
Support is available and this page outlines how you can find help paying your bills, accessing benefits or discounts, improving energy efficiency and staying warm this winter.
On this page:
- Urgent help with paying your energy bills
- Benefits and discounts to reduce energy costs
- Advice on energy bills and efficiency
- Extra help from energy suppliers
- Staying warm this winter
- Cheaper broadband and phone packages
- Help with paying your TV Licence
Urgent help with your energy bills
If you cannot afford to top up your prepayment meter, the following support is available:
- Emergency or friendly hours credit
- a fuel voucher- contact Penicuik CAB or Dalkeith CAB to find out more
- Energy grant
If you cannot afford to pay your energy bills, contact your energy supplier to check what support is available:
If you need urgent help with food, housing or money please go to our Urgent Help page for more information.
Benefits and discounts to help reduce energy bills
Heating Benefits
Pension Age Winter Heating Payment
Annual payment to help pensioners in Scotland with heating costs. Amount varies based on eligibility.
Support for families with a child receiving the highest rate care component of Disability Living Allowance for Children.
Annual payment for people on low-income benefits who might need extra help with heating during the winter.
Electricity Bill Discount
A one-off payment towards winter electricity bills, available through your energy provider.
Advice on Energy Bills and Efficiency
Changeworks
Offers advice on reducing energy bills and improving home energy efficiency.
Call 0800 870 8800 or visit their financial supports pages.
Home Energy Scotland
Helps you find the best energy deals and support to make your home warmer.
Use the Home Energy Check tool or call 0808 808 2282 (free) for more information.
Extra help from your energy supplier
You may be eligible for your energy supplier’s Priority Services Register, which offers:
- priority support in an emergency
- wherever possible, advanced notice of scheduled power cuts
- A nominated person to manage your account
- Help moving a prepayment meter if it’s hard to access
- Bills in large print or braille
- Assistance with gas reconnection, if required
Staying warm this winter
Winter support pack
Created by Outside the Box, this pack includes tips on keeping warm and saving on food and energy bills.
Warm spaces in Midlothian
Warm spaces are available across Midlothian, including Warm & Well Hubs at Danderhall, Lasswade, Loanhead and Newbattle Libraries (free soup with bread/roll plus a hot drink available from October to June).
Cheaper broadband and phone packages
Discounted broadband and phone deals for people on Universal Credit, Pension Credit and other benefits.
Help with paying your TV Licence
A range of different payment plans are available for those struggling to pay their TV Licence.
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