Worried about your heating oil costs? You may be able to get help.

For households that rely on domestic heating oil, keeping warm can be a significant expense. Unlike homes connected to the gas network, households using heating oil need to buy and store their fuel, often in large quantities, and prices can fluctuate.

Around 150,000 homes in Norfolk are estimated to rely on domestic heating oil. In some parts of the county, a significant proportion of households are ‘off grid’ and do not have access to mains gas.

With household budgets under pressure, support is available for people who are struggling with the cost of heating oil.

Help with the cost of heating oil

Norfolk County Council’s Crisis and Resilience Service provides support for people experiencing financial hardship, including help with heating oil. The service is funded by the UK Government and specifically lists heating oil support among the help available.

People on a low income may be able to receive an initial £350 voucher towards the cost of heating oil. A full assessment can also be requested where further support may be appropriate.

Eligibility depends on an individual or household’s circumstances. This can include people receiving means-tested benefits as well as people who are working but on a low income.

If you are struggling to afford heating oil, it is worth checking whether you are eligible rather than waiting until your tank is empty.

Support goes beyond heating oil

The Crisis and Resilience Service can provide help with a range of essential costs, including:

• food and pre-payment energy
• heating oil
• LPG
• water bills
• essential clothing and shoes
• essential kitchen items and furniture
• necessary transport costs
• digital and connectivity essentials

The service can also provide wider support, including help with budgeting, finding grants and looking for cheaper utility bills. It can connect people with debt support, advice services, support workers and local charities.

Could you or someone you know get help?

If the cost of heating oil is becoming difficult to manage, the Crisis and Resilience Service may be able to help.

Find out more about the support available, eligibility and how to apply on the Norfolk County Council website.

Save money on your heating oil with ThinkingFuel

If you use domestic heating oil, CAN’s ThinkingFuel community oil buying scheme could also help you reduce the cost of filling your tank.

ThinkingFuel brings households together to use collective buying power. Our expert buyers negotiate with suppliers to secure competitive prices for members.

Membership is free, with no obligation to place an order.

You can order your heating oil online or by phone on any working day, and there is also the option to set up a pre-payment Direct Debit to help spread the cost of future deliveries.

ThinkingFuel is particularly useful for households in rural and off-grid areas where domestic heating oil is the main way of heating the home.

Find out more and join ThinkingFuel today – it’s free to register.

You can also contact CAN if you would like more information about the scheme here.