Single Parent FAQs: Help with household bills and staying warm this winter – Issue 44

There are several sources of support:

• Scottish Welfare Fund (Crisis Grant): If you’re struggling in a short-term emergency
• Warm Home Discount: If you’re eligible, you’ll receive a £150 discount on your bill automatically
• Winter Heating Payment (Scotland): Replaces the Cold Weather Payment for low-income households and is usually paid automatically if you’re eligible for certain benefits
• Fuel vouchers or top-ups may be available from local organisations or advice services

Apply early where possible. It is worth speaking to your local council or energy supplier for guidance.

Prepayment customers can still get support:

• You may be eligible for fuel vouchers (electricity or gas top-ups) via advice agencies or local charities
• Contact your supplier to discuss emergency credit or repayment plans if you’re in debt
• If your metre runs out and you can’t top up, call your supplier immediately they have a duty to help vulnerable customers

Let your supplier know if you have children under 5, a disability or a health condition. This may give you extra protections.

Don’t ignore it, help is available. You can:

• Ask your supplier for a payment plan based on what you can afford
• See if they offer grants to clear debt (e.g. Scottish Power Hardship Fund, British Gas Energy Trust)
• Speak to a money adviser, we have a free Money and Debt Advice Service at OPFS.
• Apply for Discretionary Housing Payments if housing costs are causing difficulty and you rent your home

You can also request to be added to the Priority Services Register for extra support from your supplier.

Yes. You may be able to get:

• Help with school uniforms or winter coats through local clothing banks or the School Clothing Grant
• Free School Meals (including during holidays in some areas)
• Support from food banks, community larders, or warm spaces
• Baby banks or starter packs for warm clothing and blankets for young children

Ask your local council or advice service about what’s available in your area.

Even small changes can help:

• Use draft excluders on doors and windows
• Close curtains at night to keep warmth in
• Only heat the rooms you use most
• Use an electric blanket instead of turning the radiators up
• Turn down the thermostat slightly (e.g. from 21°C to 18–19°C)
• Use energy-efficient bulbs and turn off devices at the wall

Avoid using unsafe heating methods (like open ovens or candles) safety should always remain a priority.

• Citizens Advice Scotland: free, confidential advice on energy, benefits, and debt
• Home Energy Scotland: expert energy efficiency advice and funding help
• Your local council: for Crisis Grants, food and fuel referrals

• Home Energy Scotland: Call the free Helpline on 0808 808 2282, Monday to Friday 8am-8pm and Saturdays/bank holidays 9am-5pm
• Parentline Scotland: Call the Helpline on 08000 28 22 33, Monday to Friday 9am-9pm and weekends 9am-noon
• Citizens Advice Scotland (Energy Advice)
• Scottish Welfare Fund
• Extra Help Unit (CAS)