Regular maintenance of your oil boiler and tank by a heating professional will ensure they work efficiently, reliably and don’t waste oil. It is recommended that you have your oil heating system serviced annually by a local OFTEC registered engineer. These engineers are trained and inspected to make sure they can competently carry out the work.
Click here to find out more about the services offered by OFTEC
To avoid weather-related delays and higher costs, it’s best to book your heating oil delivery in advance. During the winter months, emergency deliveries may not always be possible, so order your oil before your oil level becomes too low.
If you need advice on monitoring your oil level, please contact your local distributor or check their website for more information.
Find your local UKIFDA distributor here
If you or someone you live with is 75 years or older, you can sign up for the UKIFDA Cold Weather Priority (CWP) scheme. This scheme aims to identify at-risk customers so that UKIFDA distributors can prioritise fuel deliveries, especially during extreme cold weather or fuel shortages.
This potentially life-saving initiative is free for heating oil customers, and you can simply ask your local participating UKIFDA distributor to be included in CWP.
Click here for more about the CWP
Ensure your heating oil supplier is a member of UKIFDA for the safest and most efficient storage, handling and delivery of fuel. This accreditation also provides additional customer protection that non-member companies may not offer.
For heating oil users who may be vulnerable or are struggling to pay for their oil, our first recommendation is to contact your local UKIFDA-accredited fuel oil distributor, as many distributors offer various payment options.
The Government provides a range of advice and winter financial support options – here are some that might help:
Some UK pensioner households may qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment scheme, which is a one-time payment of either £200 or £300. To be eligible for the winter 2024/2025 payment, you must apply for Pension Credit, another qualifying benefit or Tax Credit.
Click here to find out more about the 2024/2025 Winter Fuel Payment Scheme
Here’s more information about other help you could get with your heating bills:
If you receive certain benefits and the temperature drops to zero degrees Celsius or below for 7 consecutive days. You’ll receive £25 for each 7 day period of very cold weather between 1 November 2024 and 31 March 2025. Click here to find out more.
Cold Weather Payments are different to Winter Fuel Payments.
If you live in Scotland, the Winter Heating Payment has replaced the Cold Weather Payment. The Winter Heating Payment of £58.75 is automatically issued between December and January. To be eligible, you must be receiving at least one benefit during the qualifying week, which is from November 4th to November 10th 2024. Click here to find out more.
This is a £150 discount on your bills if you get Pension Credit or live in a low-income household. Click here to find out more.
Councils across the UK have been provided with extra funding for the Household Support Fund. This fund provides small grants to help with essential daily needs such as energy bills, utilities, housing, and food costs. Contact your council to check if you are eligible.
If you live in Scotland, you may be able to apply for a Crisis Grant (part of the Scottish Welfare Fund) through your local council. Click here to find out more and check if you are eligible.
If you live in Wales, the Welsh Government offers the Emergency Assistance Payment to help pay for essential costs, such as food, gas, electricity, clothing and emergency travel. Click here to find out more and check if you are eligible.
Our final tip is to contact your local UKIFDA distributor well in advance of needing your oil delivery. This ensures that you can secure the best price and payment options.
Organisations and websites provide guidance for those needing help and advice with their home heating and energy.
