UKIFDA Customer Advice Update – Support for Oil Heated Homes Across the UK

2nd April 2026

The Government has recently announced new support for vulnerable and low income households that rely on heating oil.

UKIFDA has been working with government departments across England, Scotland and Wales, and we are now able to share information to help customers understand what support is available and how to access it.

Below is an overview of the funding being provided in each nation.

England – Support Delivered Through Local Councils

In England, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has allocated £27 million to help vulnerable households using heating oil. This funding started on 1st April 2026 and will be distributed through local authorities via the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF). Each authority will manage its own scheme.

This means:

• Eligibility criteria will vary by council
• The level of support may differ
• Councils will decide how and when payments are made

If you think you may qualify, the best first step is to check your local council’s website for updates on how their scheme will operate.

Click here to find your local council

For independent guidance, Citizens Advice can also help explain local support options and how to access them.

Scotland – National Scheme Delivered Through Advice Direct Scotland (ADS)

The Scottish Government has increased funding availability and introduced a nationally coordinated scheme. Support is being administered by Advice Direct Scotland (ADS).

The Scottish scheme aims to:

• Provide a consistent scheme across the country
• Target the most vulnerable households
• Ensure funding is used specifically for heating oil support

Click here to find out more and apply

Wales – Support Through the Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF)

In Wales, the Government is using the existing Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF) to support households facing financial hardship, including those using heating oil.

This scheme can help if you:

• Are experiencing extreme financial hardship
• Have lost your job
• Have applied for benefits and are waiting for your first payment

Anyone aged 16 or over living in Wales who is experiencing an unexpected financial crisis can apply.

Click here to find out more and apply

Citizens Advice Cymru can also provide guidance on applying for the DAF and other local support.

UKIFDA Advice to Customers

We understand how unsettling the current situation is for oil heated households. Global events continue to influence energy markets, and prices may move unpredictably over the coming weeks. If your tank is running low, the best option is still to order as normal.

Our current advice is:

• Talk to your local distributors and check online platforms to compare availability and pricing.
• If you can delay purchasing, consider waiting, as prices may fluctuate.
• Ask about smaller deliveries, but remember that more frequent deliveries may increase your overall cost
•  Importantly, stay alert to scams – official bodies running support schemes (including councils and national advice services) will not cold call you, ask for bank details, or request payment information unexpectedly.

We’re Here to Help

UKIFDA will continue working with governments and local authorities to ensure information is clear and reaches the people who need it.