As the days shorten and temperatures drop, residents may be dreading the day the heating clicks on. For some, the additional burden of heating costs may mean a stark choice between heating or eating. Don’t wait to see if you qualify for help. Use this guide to find out what support is available.

Help Is Out There

Pulborough residents struggling with rising winter fuel bills this winter have access to a range of national and local support schemes, according to updated guidance from West Sussex County Council and Citizens Advice.

1. Winter Fuel Payment

The Winter Fuel Payment, worth £100–£300, is available to people born on or before 27 June 1960, with most eligible residents receiving the payment automatically in November or December.

The Department for Work and Pensions warns residents to be alert to scams, as fraudsters have been sending fake texts and emails asking people to “apply” for the payment. Genuine payments never require bank details to be submitted by text or email.

What You Can Get and How to Apply

Winter Fuel Payment (£100–£300)

• Who gets it: People born on or before 27 June 1960.
• How it works: Paid automatically to most eligible residents in Nov–Dec. Important: If your individual income is over £35,000, HMRC will reclaim the payment via tax.
• Beware of scams: You never need to apply via text or email.
• More information: Winter Fuel Payment – GOV.UK

2. Warm Home Discount

Low‑income households may also qualify for the Warm Home Discount, which provides a £150 credit on electricity bills. Most eligible households receive this automatically, and residents can check their eligibility using the government’s online tool.

Warm Home Discount (£150 electricity bill credit)

• Who gets it: Pension Credit recipients. Some low‑income households (based on government criteria)
• How it works: Usually applied automatically by your supplier.
• More information: Warm Home Discount Scheme: Overview - GOV.UK

3. Cold Weather Payments

Those receiving certain means‑tested benefits—including Pension Credit, Universal Credit, income‑related ESA or JSA—may also receive Cold Weather Payments, issued in £25 instalments for each week of sub‑zero temperatures.

Cold Weather Payments (£25 per qualifying week)

• Who gets it: Residents receiving certain means‑tested benefits.
• Trigger: Temperature at or below 0°C for 7 consecutive days.
• More information: – Cold Weather Payments - GOV.UK

4. Crisis And Resilience Fund

Locally, West Sussex County Council has confirmed that the Crisis and Resilience Fund, which replaced the Household Support Fund earlier this year, is now providing emergency payments to low‑income households facing sudden financial shocks, including difficulty paying heating bills.

Eligibility is assessed individually, and support may include crisis payments or referrals to specialist energy‑advice services.

Crisis and Resilience Fund (West Sussex County Council)

What it provides:

• Emergency crisis payments
• Support with heating oil and energy costs
• Referrals to budgeting, debt, and energy‑efficiency services

Who qualifies:

• Low‑income households (assessed individually).
• More information: Crisis and Resilience Fund - WSCC

5. Citizens Advice West Sussex

Citizens Advice West Sussex continues to offer practical help, including fuel vouchers, energy‑debt advice, and support applying for national schemes. Residents are encouraged to contact their energy supplier directly, as many suppliers offer hardship grants, debt write‑offs, or payment‑matching schemes.

Citizens Advice West Sussex

Support available:

• Fuel vouchers
• Energy‑debt advice
• Help applying for national schemes
• Scam‑awareness guidance
• More information: Help with energy bills – Citizens Advice

6. Supplier Hardship Funds

Many energy suppliers offer:

• Debt write‑offs
• Payment matching
• Emergency top‑ups
• Energy‑efficiency support

Check your supplier’s website or call their customer‑support line.

7. Free Digital Support At Our Local Library

West Sussex County Council also reminds residents that free digital support is available through local libraries for anyone needing help accessing online applications or government tools.

Residents needing help accessing online forms or government tools can book free one‑to‑one digital support sessions at local libraries.

More information: Digital Support – WSCC Libraries

Quick Guide: What Pulborough Residents Should Do First

• Check your Winter Fuel Payment status – most eligible residents are paid automatically.
• Use the Warm Home Discount tool to confirm eligibility.
• Contact Citizens Advice for fuel vouchers or crisis‑support referrals.
• Speak to your energy supplier about hardship grants.
• Apply to the Crisis and Resilience Fund if you face a sudden financial shock.
• Get digital help at Pulborough Library if you need assistance applying online.