Paying your energy bills

If an illness has changed how much you or your family are able to work, you may be able to claim new or different benefits. Claiming all the benefits you are able to may also help you get grants and other support schemes that help with energy costs.

Our information on Managing money when living with a terminal illness explains what types of benefits you may be able to claim and how.

You may also be able to apply for one-off or annual payments to help with energy costs, such as the Winter Fuel Payment or Warm Home Discount.

Local councils might offer help with bills under schemes called "welfare assistance" or "household support". Find your local council to see what they offer.

Benefits can be complicated, and it can be hard to understand what you can apply for and how. If you need some support:

• See Citizens Advice information on help paying energy bills.
• National Energy Action’s Helpline can also offer advice if you call 0800 304 7159.

You may be able to apply for grants or one-off payments. These are sometimes offered by energy companies or charities. They might be given based on your income, where you live or a job you have done in the past.

• See Citizens Advice information on Grants and benefits to help you pay your energy bills.
• Find out what you're eligible for by using Turn2Us Grant Search.

If you were not born in the UK, the types of support you may not be able to apply for some of the above support.

• Visit Turn2Us’s information for migrants.

It is not unusual for people to feel they need to borrow money or use credit cards at the end of their life. This might be because their income has gone down, or costs related to your health have gone up.

If you feel you need to turn to borrowing to pay bills such as energy and water bills, you are not alone. However, it is not a good idea to borrow money to pay for essential items if you can help it.

Your energy provider must, by law, support people who are vulnerable, including if you are unwell or near the end of your life. They should offer you a payment plan, advice and signpost you to other financial schemes, assistance and support.

We know having debt can be really worrying and stressful for people, especially at the end of their life. If you are still worried, take a look at our information on managing money when you have a terminal illness for more advice on dealing with debt.

It is unlikely that your supplier will cut off your gas, energy or electricity supply. If you have unpaid bills, your supplier will usually offer you a pre-payment meter or payment plan instead.

Before agreeing to a pre-payment meter, keep in mind that this can mean your supply being cut off in the future if you run out of credit. So, think about this decision very carefully, especially if you have medical equipment or are very vulnerable to the cold.

Your water supply cannot legally be cut off if you do not pay.

Citizens Advice have information on disconnections for England, Scotland and Wales. For Northern Ireland, see NI Direct.