Ten tips for coping with energy cost worries if you’re living with a terminal illness

Our starting point is to break problems down, so they’re more manageable. There is help out there; finding out about it is often the challenge. The best thing I hear after calls is, ‘I’ve got something to move forwards with now’. So, here are ten tips if you’re worried about energy prices too. 

Understanding how your bills have been calculated is helpful. Some callers tell us they don’t know how they’ve got so high. You’re charged a unit rate for the energy you use and also a fixed standing charge, irrespective of how much you use. That can make a bill seem surprisingly high, particularly for lower users. If you're worried about keeping on top of your bills, let your providers know. They’re required to support you with a payment plan, and some offer grants – Citizen’s Advice have information on this.

You may be able to reduce your energy usage, but it’s important to do this safely. The Centre for Sustainable Energy has useful information.  Make sure meter readings are up to date. Your bill could come down if you’re using less energy than predicted. You could also ask your provider about different tariffs and get quotes from other suppliers. But make sure they’re based on your actual usage, and check exit fees if switching providers, as they can be high.

If you’re living with a terminal illness you can join the free Priority Services Register (England, Scotland and Wales) or Customer Care Register (Northern Ireland).  You’ll receive additional support if you’re ever without gas, water, or electricity supply, and you can get help with reading your meter or bills.

You may be able to increase your income through benefits, linked to health, disability, income or employment status. And there may be further support depending on your circumstances. For instance, a rebate if you use an oxygen concentrator, or fast track benefits if you could be in the last year of life. I really encourage people to look at benefits, whether or not they’ve had them previously. That support is there to help manage extra costs and stresses. Our website has a free benefits calculator and detailed benefits information to help you.

You may be eligible for one or more one-off grants. You won’t need to pay these back. Some organisations give grants for a particular condition, such as Motor Neurone Disease or advanced cancer. Or there may be a hardship fund based on your occupation or location. 

Unfortunately, support isn’t uniform, so you need to look what’s available. You may also be able to find in-person support locally. The financial support organisation Turn2us has a free tool to search options. And your local council or Citizen’s Advice can advise for your area, including food bank support. 

We’re energy support experts, but we look at the bigger picture. Even if you can’t reduce energy bills, you may be able to cut other costs – saving from one pot to use it for another. For instance, receiving certain benefits can give eligibility for a ‘social tariff’ for cheaper broadband or mobile. Or you may be able to save on health care, supplies or medicines (if you pay for these), through a pre-paid certificate. 

It’s very important to keep warm, particularly when you’re living with a terminal illness, and to ensure your home is safe. Sometimes callers tell us their house is draughty, or the boiler isn’t working well. The Energy Saving Trust has ways you can reduce heat loss safely. Small changes like using draught excluders under doors, opening curtains when the sun is out and closing them when it goes down, can help. If you have a condition made worse by the cold, ask your energy supplier and local council about energy efficiency support, such as boiler upgrade, through the ECO 4 or ECO Flex schemes. And make sure you have a working carbon monoxide alarm and an annual gas appliances check by a Gas Safe Registered engineer.

People often feel uncomfortable talking about debt, but it’s important to consider your finances as a whole. Having a ‘priority debt’ – such as council tax, rent gas or electricity – may mean you can get extra support.  For example, some water companies will write off debt with them if you have another priority debt. StepChange engineer. StepChange offers free support for managing debt.

Remember, you’re not alone. If you need information, have a question, feel overwhelmed, or just want to talk things over, we can listen, unpick issues and identify practical steps. You can find lots more information on our website, or call our free Support Line on 0800 090 2309,see details and opening hours and ask to speak to one of our expert Energy Support Officers.