Summary

A range of services are available to help disabled people or those with long-term health conditions manage their energy bills and household costs. They offer practical advice, specialist energy support and help claiming benefits.

Eligibility

Eligibility varies by service, but criteria usually include:

• Being disabled or having a long-term health condition
• Receiving disability-related benefits
• Undergoing serious medical treatment, such as for cancer
• Using medical equipment that increases energy use
• Having a low income or facing financial hardship.

Priority Services Register

Disabled people and other people who are vulnerable – for example because of age or illness – can register with their energy supplier’s priority services register, to get extra support from energy companies, especially in emergencies.

>> Read more about priority services registers here

Electricity refunds for people who use oxygen concentrators

People who use an electric oxygen concentrator at home can get money back for the electricity it uses.

Reimbursement of the energy costs is provided by the oxygen supplier, with payments based on the household’s electricity use. These refunds are available to all concentrator users, regardless of income.

People who use concentrators should contact their oxygen provider for details.

Advice and support services

Citizens Advice Enfield

Citizens Advice Enfield provides free and confidential advice for Enfield residents, including disabled people or those with long-term health conditions.

This includes advice on energy affordability, debt and budgeting and guides to getting local grants and health-related support. The organisation can also offer help with applying for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), along with support for people appealing benefits decisions.

Call 0800 014 8307 or chat with a Citizens Advice advisor online.

Scope

Scope offers specialist advice for disabled people and households with disabled children, including on energy issues. Appointments available by phone or online.

The available support includes help understanding energy bills and tariffs, advice on reducing costs while meeting health needs, help to get grants or support from energy suppliers, and guidance on medical equipment and energy use.

For help, visit Scope’s website.

Macmillan

Macmillan supports people with cancer, their carers and family members, with financial and practical advice, including on energy issues.

Support includes help with claiming benefits linked to illness or treatment, and advice on energy bills and dealing with energy suppliers.

To get help, call the support line on 0808 808 0000, ask your hospital or GP to put you in touch with a local Macmillan adviser, or visit the Macmillan website.