Help with energy bills
For more information, visit the Parkinson’s UK website (last updated April 2024).
Make sure to check your benefits and see if you are entitled to means-tested benefits, such as Pension Credit, Employment Support Allowance or Universal Credit, or a disability benefit such as Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment or Disability Living Allowance. These benefits can mean you are entitled to government cost of living payments in future.
Energy bill arrears
If you’re in arrears with your energy bills, can you get these cleared so you only pay for what you use? Check with your fuel supplier if they can help. If your supplier is not able to help, contact Citizen’s Advice, British Gas Energy Trust or Charis Grants. You should not ignore arrears and there may be help available if you ask.
If you got vouchers for a prepayment meter earlier this year and haven’t cashed them yet, they may be out of date. Contact your energy supplier as they might be able to replace them.
A free support service
Are you on the Priority Services Register? The register is a free support service to help people who may be vulnerable.
Once you’re on the register, you can receive extra support. For example, during a power cut, or getting your meter checked regularly.
If you have Parkinson’s or live with someone who does, contact your energy provider or network operator to get on the register.
In Northern Ireland, you can join Northern Ireland Electricity Networks critical care register. You can sign up online at the link below.
Northern Ireland Electricity Networks critical care register
Off-peak usage
If you have a smart meter and use electricity at off-peak times, you should get a discount on your electricity bill. Check with your electricity supplier for further details.
Housing association tenant support
Are you a housing association tenant? Housing associations may have funds and support for their tenants, and some have a specialist energy adviser. They may have access to grants to help with arrears or improve heating or insulation. They can also advise you how to get the most heat for your money. Contact your landlord for more information.
Having an energy efficient home
Is your home energy efficient? There are organisations that can advise you about energy efficiency and funding that might be available to you.
Your energy supplier
Contact your energy supplier as they may have grants or support available – most but not all suppliers are signed up to the Energy Companies Obligation (ECO) to offer help to customers.
Wise Group
Wise Group operates in Scotland and some parts of England. The organisation provides advice about heating your home affordably.
Citizen’s Advice
Citizen’s Advice may be able to advise on reducing costs and funding for things like boilers and insulation.
Help to Heat
Help to Heat is a Government scheme which is helping people to make sure homes are warmer and cheaper to heat.
NI Energy Advice
NI Energy Advice offers free energy advice to households in Northern Ireland, including advice about energy grants.
Home Energy Scotland
In Scotland, the Home Energy Efficiency Programme Scotland (HEEPS) can help people to reduce their household fuel bills. Visit Home Energy Scotland at the link below.
NEST
NEST is the Welsh government’s scheme to help people with household fuel bills. Visit their website at the link below.