2. Universal credit, income support, income-based jobseeker’s allowance, income-related employment and support allowance and pension credit
If you are struggling to afford fuel, check your eligibility for means-tested benefits. Universal credit (UC), income support (IS), income-based jobseeker’s allowance (JSA), income-related employment and support allowance (ESA) and pension credit (PC) are key benefits if you need direct help with fuel-related costs. Entitlement to these benefits is based on your income, savings and other capital. They are administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
If you are on these benefits, you may be able to avoid disconnection by paying for your fuel and any arrears through the Fuel Direct scheme (see here). This chapter does not apply to people who are subject to immigration control, whose immigration status may be jeopardised if they claim certain benefits. See CPAG’s Benefits for Migrants Handbook for further details.