2. Universal credit, pension credit and other means-tested benefits
If you are struggling to afford fuel, check your eligibility for means-tested benefits. If you are working-age, check your eligibility for universal credit (UC). If you have reached state pension age, check your eligibility for pension credit (PC). Entitlement to these benefits is based on your income, savings and other capital. They are administered by the DWP.
You might already be receiving UC, PC, or one of the older means-tested benefits: income support (IS), income-based jobseeker’s allowance (JSA) or income-related employment and support allowance (ESA).
All of these benefits can help with household expenses including energy costs. If you get one of these benefits, it may make you eligible for:
•cold weather payments and Scottish heating payments (see here); •a Warm Home Discount (see here).
You may also be able to pay for your fuel and any arrears through direct deductions from your means-tested benefit. This is the Fuel Direct scheme (see here) and can be particularly useful where you are at risk of disconnection. Note:
•For more detailed information about these benefits, see CPAG’s Welfare Benefits and Tax Credits Handbook.
•See here for information about housing benefit (HB), which is also means-tested.