Household energy bills in 2023:

What support is available for disabled people?

As the cost of living crisis persists, people with disabilities and their families continue to be disproportionately affected by high energy prices. Here we examine the issue, and look at the available support.

People with disabilities often face higher living and energy costs. This can be due to greater travel costs, higher heating bills in order to be comfortable, and powering specialist equipment, such as wheelchairs. They are also more likely to have lower incomes or be living in poverty. In fact, research from Scope showed the extent of the problem, including the fact that disabled people are more than twice as likely to unable to heat their homes.* These increased costs not only mean many people with disabilities struggle to meet their essential needs, like food and other essentials, but also need to make savings elsewhere, such as visiting family members – further affecting their quality of life and general wellbeing.

Household costs increased by 9.2% in the twelve months to February 2023, according to the Office of National Statistics**. This increase is largely due to massive increases in electricity and gas prices, and increases in food bills of 18.2%. As of April 2023, the monthly credit that the government was funding for every household (£66 per month, from October 2022 to April 2023) will end, meaning bills will go up. In addition, the Energy Price Guarantee from the government, which limits the amount that households pay, was due to increase 20% on the 1st April 2023***. Following a campaign led by Money Saving Expert’s Martin Lewis this change was postponed for three months, but it is still expected to rise later in the year. This cap would mean that households pay on average £3,000 per year, rather than the current average of £2,500 per year –but in reality, for houses with high energy costs, the figures can often exceed this average cost.

What support is available?

£150 disability cost of living payment - 2023

If you receive disability-related benefits, including Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payments and others, you will receive a £150 payment in Summer 2023. You should receive this payment automatically.

£900 cost of living payment - 2023

If you receive Universal Credit, Income-based Job Seekers Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit or Pension Credit, you are due to receive a £900 payment in three installments (Spring 2023, Autumn 2023 and Spring 2024). You should receive these payments automatically.

Financial assistance from energy companies

If you are not able to pay your household gas or electricity bill, you might be able to get support from your supplier. In some cases, you don’t even need to be a customer to apply. Each scheme has its own requirements and you will usually need to provide proof of circumstances to receive funding. Available funds include:

British Gas Energy Trust Charis: Let’s Talk Energy Fund provides assistance with bills and broken white goods such as cookers, fridges, freezers and washing machines

- EDF Energy Customer Support Fund

- E.ON Energy and E.ON Next Funds

- Octo Assist Fund

- Ovo Energy Fund

- Scottish Power Hardship Fund

- Shell Energy

- Utility Warehouse

Fuel vouchers and local energy grants

Fuel vouchers are used to top up prepayment meters if you can not afford to do so. You can use a fuel voucher at a PayPoint shop, or a Payzone shop or Post Office. There also might be grants or schemes available from your local council. Find your local council and get in touch with them.

Priority Services Register

For individuals with disabilities and additional needs and their families, it is a good idea to sign up to your utility company’s (including gas, electricity and water) Priority Services Register, which means they know you might need additional support in the case of service disruption or other problems. The register is for people who are of State Pension age, disabled, sick, or considered vulnerable for other reasons.

Rebates for oxygen concentrator usage

Rebates are available if you or someone in your family requires an oxygen concentrator at home. This is to cover the cost of the electricity used.

- Electricity Rebates (BOC Home Oxygen Service) Patient Service Centre

- Electricity Refund (Air Liquide Healthcare)

* ‘Disabled people hit hardest in the biggest cost-ofliving crisis in a generation.’ Scope, 8 February 2022

**https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/ inflationandpriceindices/bulletins/consumerpriceinflation/ february2023

***https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/whatis-the-energy-price-cap/

Further advice

Citizens Advice has further information about what you can do if you’re struggling with living costs. One of their trained advisors can provide advice. You can call the helpline or contact them online.

Free advice about energy and water is available from the charity Scope.

If you are dealing with debt, StepChange can provide support.

Concerns about the cost of living can have a serious impact on our mental wellbeing. For mental health support, speak to your GP or contact Mind. If you are struggling to cope and need to talk to someone straight away, you can call the Samaritans for free anytime on 116 123.