These are the best grants and benefits on energy bills if you’re struggling to pay this winter
We round up some of the ways to help you keep warm this winter
WINTER is coming - and for some, it could be a killer.
As millions of Brits crank up the heating and batten down the hatches for another six months of freezing weather, others are worrying about how to afford spiralling energy bills.
According to the Debt Advisory Centre, one in five people will go without heating this winter.
But with a University College of London study suggesting that an estimated 9,000 excess winter deaths in 2014-2015 were a result of cold homes, not being able to pay the bills is a real concern.
So for those struggling to pay to heat their home, what are the options?
Most people have heard of the Government's Winter Fuel Allowance, which offers anyone born on or before 5 January 1953 an annual, one-off payment of up to £300 to pay for heating.
But some might not know there are several other options for staying warm this winter.
A number of energy companies offer charitable grants for people struggling to pay their heating bills - and you don't necessarily need to be a customer.
Winter Fuel Allowance
The table below gives a breakdown of what you could be eligible to receive in Winter Fuel Allowance:
Government service Citizen's Advice before applying for an energy grant.
The charity Age UK has estimated fuel poverty continues to cost the NHS £1.3 billion a year, despite a 2001 promise by Labour to eradicate the problem by 2016.
As well as the Winter Fuel Allowance, the Government's Warm Home Discount Scheme offers those on low incomes or receiving Pension Credit the chance to save £140 off their fuel bill.
But be warned - not all energy companies are signed up to the scheme.
The Government also offers Cold Weather Payments for people receiving certain benefits.
According to Gov.uk, you could be eligible for a payment "if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees celsius or below for 7 consecutive days".
"You’ll get a payment of £25 for each 7 day period of very cold weather between 1 November and 31 March."
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