Due to rising global oil prices, some households who rely on oil based heating may be struggling to afford to refill their domestic oil tank. The Government has asked councils to provide targeted financial support to help residents who are at immediate risk of being unable to heat their home or access hot water.
Support with home oil heating is provided through Crisis Payments and is intended to help households facing an urgent situation.

 

Who may be eligible?

You may be able to receive help with home oil heating if all of the following apply:

  • your main source of heating is oil
  • you are on a low income
  • your oil tank is currently at 25% capacity or less
  • you are at immediate risk of being unable to heat your home or access hot water

Your oil tank gauge or smart oil monitoring app will show the current level of oil in your tank.

If the level is 25% or less, you may be eligible for support.

You may be asked to provide a photograph or screenshot of your oil tank gauge or monitoring app to confirm the current level.

A household may be considered to be on a low income if either of the following applies:

A. You are receiving one or more of the following benefits:

  • Universal Credit
  • Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit)
  • Housing Benefit
  • Council Tax Support

OR

B. Following an assessment of your household income, essential expenditure and any accessible savings or capital, it is clear that you do not have sufficient resources to resolve the immediate situation without:

  • going without essential items such as food, or
  • taking on unmanageable debt

How will my Crisis Payment be paid?

If your application is successful, Crisis Payments are normally made in a way that allows you to access the support quickly.

Where possible, payments will be made using a cash first approach, which may include:

  • a direct payment to your bank account, or
  • another suitable payment method where this is more appropriate

The method of payment will depend on your circumstances and the nature of the support being provided.

How to apply

Apply online on our Crisis Payment page

If you need help with your application or are unable to apply online, support is available to help you access the service by calling 01952 380400.