Some councils provide fuel vouchers to households that cannot afford to top up gas or electricity prepayment meters.

These vouchers:

• Add credit via PayPoint, Payzone or Post Office

• Are usually issued in emergencies

• May be delivered directly by the council or via local partners

Fuel vouchers are often funded through local welfare budgets or the Household Support Fund, depending on council policy.

Where to look:

• Search your council website for “fuel vouchers” or “crisis support”

• Citizens Advice can help identify voucher routes locally

Authoritative guidance:

👉https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/get-help-paying-your-bills/you-cant-afford-to-top-up-your-prepayment-meter/

Some councils offer one-off emergency support where a household:

• Is at risk of disconnection

• Has no credit on a prepayment meter

• Cannot afford essential heating during cold periods

This may take the form of:

• Emergency meter credit

• Direct energy bill support

• Referral to supplier hardship protections

This support is short-term and discretionary.

Local welfare schemes may be used to help households:

• Cover urgent heating costs

• Manage sudden energy bill spikes

• Avoid immediate hardship linked to cold homes

This support is usually:

• Time-limited

• Needs-based

• Assessed quickly due to urgency

Councils may deliver this directly or through trusted local partners.

In some areas, councils provide cash payments or supermarket vouchers under crisis or hardship schemes.

While not always labelled as “energy support”, this can:

• Free up household income for energy costs

• Help residents prioritise heating and utilities

• Provide rapid relief during financial crises

Availability and value vary by council and funding window.

Many councils explicitly include energy and utility bills within their local welfare or hardship policies.

This can include help with:

• Gas and electricity bills

• Water bills (in some areas)

• Other essential utilities where hardship affects health or safety

Support is assessed case-by-case and is not guaranteed.