Financial assistance
There is a range of financial assistance available detailed below:
There are a range of grant schemes available in partnership with them:
Great British Insulation Scheme
Ends 31 March 2026
GBIS is a government initiative focused on delivering single insulation measures such as loft and wall insulation.
You could be eligible if you meet one of the following criteria and have an EPC rating of D, E, F or G:
- Live within council tax bands A, B, C or D
- Someone in the household receives one or more qualifying benefit
- Total gross household income is less than £31,000
- Someone in the household has a long-term health condition impacted by cold such as: Respiratory disease, cardiovascular condition, limited mobility, or Immunosuppression
Energy Company Obligation
Ends 31 December 2026
ECO4 is a government scheme aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and combating fuel poverty across Great Britain through whole house retrofit. Eligible households can own or rent their home and could receive a whole house package of measures which can make significant improvements to the energy performance of a property.
You could be eligible if you meet one of the following criteria and have an EPC rating of E, F or G:
- Total gross household income is less than £31,000
- Someone in the household receives one or more qualifying benefit
- Someone in the household has a long-term health condition impacted by cold such as: Respiratory disease, cardiovascular condition, limited mobility, or Immunosuppression
Warm Homes Local Grant
This is a new phase of the Staffordshire Warmer Homes scheme and is open for applications, helping residents across the county heat their homes for less with funded insulation and renewable heating improvements.
Led by Staffordshire County Council in partnership with district and borough councils, Community Home Solutions and other local partners, the scheme provides free energy-saving upgrades to eligible low-income or vulnerable households including loft and wall insulation, air source heat pumps, hybrid gas heating systems, and solar panels - all designed to make homes warmer, healthier, and cheaper to heat.
Residents may qualify if they:
- Have a household income of £36,000 or less
- Receive means-tested benefits (e.g. Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support)
- Have a health condition worsened by living in a cold home
- Are in problem debt or financial hardship
Applicants must live in Staffordshire and own or privately rent a home that is inefficient or hard to heat.
Eligible residents can apply online at www.staffordshire.gov.uk/warmerhomes or call 0115 718 1822 for help completing their application
Winter fuel payment
If you were born before 23 September 1958 you could get either £200 or £300 to help you pay your heating bills for winter. This is known as a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’.
You may be eligible if you or your partner get certain benefits. If you are eligible, you’ll normally get the Winter Fuel Payment automatically.
Visit the government website to find out more.
Warmer homes, greener district scheme
Warmer homes, greener district freephone advice line could help offers impartial over-the-phone advice on:
- How to stay warmer in winter.
- Problems with heating and hot water.
- Fuel bills, fuel debt and dealing with energy suppliers.
- What grants and assistance is currently available.
- Energy efficiency improvements and renewable technologies.
To eligible for financial assistance you must be able to say yes to all three of the below criteria:
- you are claiming a means tested benefit (such as universal credit) or earn less than £31,000 per annum for your household (including benefits and pensions).
- your home must have an energy rating of an E, F or G.
- your boiler must have been installed before 2005.
If you meet the eligibility criteria and want to apply, or to find out more, call the team on 0800 677 1543.
If you have a long-term health condition that is being exacerbated by the cold you can also ask your doctor to refer you to the the scheme and do not necessarily need to meet the above criteria - please ask your doctor to call the team on 0800 677 1543.
Warm home discount scheme
You could get money off your electricity bill under the Warm Home Discount Scheme.
The money is not paid to you - it’s a one-off discount on your electricity bill.
You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity and you’re eligible.
Visit the government website to find out more or speak to your supplier.
National concessionary fuel scheme
You could get free solid fuel or a cash allowance for fuel if you’re an ex-employee of the National Coal Board (NCB) or British Coal Corporation (BCC).
You need to qualify to get the fuel allowance through the National Concessionary Fuel Scheme (NCFS), and you can only get the cash allowance if you’re already getting fuel through the scheme.
Visit the government website to find out more.
Beat the cold
If you need help to make your home more energy efficient Beat the Cold are a Staffordshire charity who offer independent advice and support.
You can get help with reducing your energy costs, dealing with bills and debt and they can tell you about any grants and discount schemes you're eligible for.
They offer support over the phone or for people who need more assistance they offer home visits.