Government support schemes change frequently. Links go to official GOV.UK pages. Always verify current availability and eligibility directly with the relevant scheme before applying. This guide was last reviewed May 2026.
Why heating oil households are particularly vulnerable
Around 1.5 million UK homes rely on heating oil (kerosene), the vast majority in rural areas without access to mains gas. These households face a double disadvantage: they can't switch to cheaper mains gas, and because oil is an unregulated commodity, prices can spike sharply with global events. In early 2026, prices rose to over 129p per litre. A level that makes an average household's annual fuel bill exceed £2,000.
Unlike gas and electricity customers, heating oil buyers have no supplier of last resort, no Ofgem price cap, and no automatic rebate schemes. Accessing help requires proactively identifying and applying to the schemes below.
England: The Warm Home Discount and Crisis & Resilience Fund
The Warm Home Discount (WHD) is the main national rebate scheme, but it primarily applies to electricity bills rather than heating oil directly. From 2022, the scheme was overhauled to focus on households in fuel poverty, but the rebate is applied to electricity accounts, not oil tanks. Some households use the WHD saving on electricity to offset overall energy costs.
The more relevant route for heating oil households in England is the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF), which replaced the Household Support Fund from April 2026. This is administered by local councils and provides emergency financial assistance for essential costs including heating fuel. There is no fixed national amount. Councils set their own criteria and payment levels.
To apply in England: contact your local council and ask specifically about the Crisis and Resilience Fund. Search "[your county] Crisis and Resilience Fund" or check your council's website under "benefits and financial support."
Wales: The Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF)
In Wales, the primary route is the Discretionary Assistance Fund, administered by the Welsh Government. DAF provides emergency assistance payments for essential costs including fuel for heating. It is means-tested and intended for people in extreme financial hardship. It cannot be used for ongoing bills you routinely cannot afford, but can help with a specific crisis such as running out of oil with no means to buy more.
Apply online via the Welsh Government website or call 0800 859 5924. Applications can be made on behalf of someone else.
Scotland: The Scottish Welfare Fund
Scotland has the Scottish Welfare Fund, which provides Crisis Grants and Community Care Grants. Crisis Grants can cover immediate heating needs including fuel costs. The fund is administered by local councils and is means-tested.
Contact your local Scottish council to apply. You can also get help applying through Citizens Advice Scotland or local Money Advice services.
Northern Ireland: Heating Oil Assistance
Northern Ireland has the highest dependence on heating oil of any UK nation. Around 61% of households use it as their primary heating fuel. The Fuel Poverty Fund provides assistance to eligible households, and the NI Executive has periodically introduced targeted heating oil payments during price spikes.
Contact the NI Housing Executive or the Department for Communities for current schemes. The Advice NI helpline (0800 915 4604) can also advise on available support.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Switching away from oil
If you're considering replacing your oil boiler with a heat pump, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) provides a £7,500 grant towards the cost of an air source heat pump, or £7,500 for a ground source heat pump. This is available to homeowners in England and Wales.
The scheme is administered by Ofgem and the grant is paid directly to the installer, reducing the upfront cost. Not all properties are suitable for heat pumps. See our oil boiler vs heat pump guide for a full assessment of whether it makes sense for your home.
You must own the property (not a landlord with tenants) · Property must have a valid EPC that does not recommend loft or cavity wall insulation (unless already done) · Property must be in England or Wales · Cannot be combined with other public grants for the same installation
Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) — insulation and efficiency improvements
The ECO4 scheme funds insulation and heating efficiency improvements for low-income households. For oil-heated homes, this can cover loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, and in some cases first-time central heating installation. Better insulation directly reduces how much heating oil you need to buy.
Eligibility is based on income and the current energy efficiency of your home. Contact your energy supplier or check the GOV.UK energy efficiency page to find local installers who participate in ECO4.
The Cold Weather Payment and Winter Fuel Payment
The Cold Weather Payment (£25 per 7-day period of very cold weather) and Winter Fuel Payment (for pensioners) are paid to bank accounts and can be used for any purpose, including buying heating oil. They are not heating-oil-specific but provide cash support during winter for those who qualify.
Cold Weather Payments are automatic for eligible benefit recipients. Winter Fuel Payments are now means-tested (from 2024) and paid only to pensioners receiving Pension Credit or certain other means-tested benefits.
If you're struggling now. Practical steps
- Compare prices before ordering, even in a crisis, taking 10 minutes to compare suppliers can save £50–100 on a delivery. Use PriceTank's free quote tool.
- Contact your council: ask specifically about the Crisis and Resilience Fund (England), DAF (Wales), Scottish Welfare Fund (Scotland), or NI Fuel Poverty Fund.
- Contact Citizens Advice: they can identify all local and national schemes you may be eligible for and help with applications. Call 0800 144 8848.
- Ask your supplier about payment plans: some suppliers offer payment by direct debit spread over 12 months (oil clubs), which smooths out the cost.
- Contact the UKIFDA: the UK and Ireland Fuel Distributors Association has a network of local distributors who may offer emergency credit in genuine hardship cases.
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