Is debt advice really free?

Yes, with the charities and services listed above. They are funded so you do not have to pay. If a company asks for an up-front fee for advice, stop and check them against the Financial Conduct Authority's register first.

Will getting debt advice affect my credit score?

Talking to an adviser does not affect your credit file. Some solutions, such as a debt management plan or IVA, can be recorded on it. An adviser will explain the effects before you choose.

Will the adviser judge me?

No. Debt advisers help people from all walks of life, and what you tell them is confidential. Many people get into debt after a job loss, illness, relationship breakdown or a rise in living costs.

Does Sterlingsum give debt advice?

No. Sterlingsum is an information site and is not authorised to give debt advice. We link to organisations that are. We do not receive payment from any of the services listed on this page.

The Warm Home Discount explained

A £150 discount on electricity for eligible households, and other help with energy bills.

The short answer

The Warm Home Discount is a £150 discount on your electricity bill for eligible households in England, Wales and Scotland. It is not paid to you: your electricity supplier takes it off your bill, or gives you a voucher if you have a prepay meter. Most eligible customers get it automatically. GOV.UK says the scheme reopens in October 2026 for winter 2026 to 2027.

Who gets it

Eligibility differs between England and Wales on one side and Scotland on the other. In general, the scheme is aimed at people on certain means-tested benefits, such as the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit, and some other low-income households with high energy costs. Check the current rules on GOV.UK, as they change. It is not available in Northern Ireland, which has its own Affordable Warmth scheme.

How it works

Most eligible people are contacted by their supplier, or the government, and do not need to apply.
In Scotland you may need to apply directly to your electricity supplier.
Park home residents apply through a separate route, see GOV.UK.
The discount does not affect Cold Weather Payments or Winter Fuel Payments.

Other ways to cut energy costs

Check you are on the best tariff and read your meter regularly, so bills are based on real usage.
Ask your supplier about hardship schemes if you are struggling to pay, and speak to them early.
Look at GOV.UK: Improve your home's energy efficiency for insulation grants and schemes.
Use the budget helper to see how much you can set aside for energy.

Where to learn more

This guide is for information only and is not benefits or financial advice. Rules and amounts can change, so check the official pages before you rely on them.