Free Gas & Electric Vouchers (2025)

If you’re struggling to keep up with energy bills and use a prepayment meter for your gas and electricity, you might be eligible for free fuel vouchers to ease the burden.

If you’re having trouble paying for gas or electricity, you’re not alone — and help is available. Whether you need a one-off voucher to top up your prepayment meter, emergency credit to keep the lights on, or longer-term support with bills, this guide covers all the main schemes. We explain who offers free gas and electricity vouchers, who qualifies, and where to apply — all in plain terms, with links to trusted sources.

Key Points

Free gas and electricity vouchers are available if you’re struggling to top up your meter or pay your energy bill.
Support may come from your supplier, the government, or local councils — often depending on your income or circumstances.
Prepayment meter users may be eligible for emergency credit or one-off top-ups.
You could also qualify for grants, discounts, or winter payments to help reduce your bills.
This guide explains all your options and how to apply.

As of March 2025, with energy costs still a pressing concern for millions across the UK, these vouchers remain a lifeline for many—especially as winter’s effects linger and the cost-of-living squeeze continues.

The energy price cap, which influences bills for those on standard tariffs, rose again in late 2024, pushing more households toward fuel poverty.

Prepayment meter users—often low-income households, are particularly vulnerable, facing higher per-unit costs compared to direct debit customers and a greater risk of running out of credit.

With spring underway in 2025, the need for support persists, and free fuel vouchers could help you avoid tough choices about heating or eating.

Related reading:

Are Fuel Vouchers Still Offered?

Yes, but availability depends on where you live and your circumstances. As of mid-March 2025, no nationwide “free voucher” program covers all households year-round, but targeted schemes like the Household Support Fund (HSF) and local council initiatives continue to provide vouchers in many areas.

The HSF, extended in past years (most recently confirmed through March 31, 2025), offers councils funds to distribute energy support—often as vouchers for prepayment meter top-ups.

Some councils, like Nottingham, planned to issue vouchers into April 2025, and if funding holds, this could stretch further. Other support, like the Warm Home Discount (£150 credit), typically wraps up by March but may resume next winter.

Eligibility Criteria for Free Fuel Vouchers

To get a fuel voucher or to get help if you can’t afford your energy bill, you’ll usually need a referral from a local organization, such as:

Food banks
Your local council (find yours on GOV.UK)
Citizens Advice

Eligibility varies by region. Some councils prioritize vulnerable groups—pensioners, families with young children, or people with health conditions—while others apply means-testing, checking income and savings.

Local councils set their own rules for fuel voucher schemes. For example, Manchester City Council prioritises households with a child under five, as well as those with disabilities, pensioners, or vulnerable individuals. Eligibility can also depend on whether your council’s scheme is seasonal or linked to extreme weather periods. Always check with your local authority—some require a referral to apply, while others may offer help directly.

Common criteria include:

Receiving income-related benefits (e.g., Universal Credit, Pension Credit)
Having little to no savings
Caring for children or having a disability
Being of pension age

Key Requirement: You must use a prepayment meter. Vouchers aren’t available for direct debit or standard credit customers.

Types of Energy Support at a Glance

Several types of help exist for people facing fuel poverty in the UK—some in the form of vouchers, others as government schemes or emergency credit. Here’s how they compare:

Support Type	Offered By	Typical Value	How to Apply	Who Qualifies
Fuel Vouchers	Local councils, HSF	£30 – £49	Referral via council/Citizens Advice	Prepayment users on benefits or in hardship
Emergency Credit	Energy suppliers	Varies	Contact supplier directly	Prepayment meter users at risk of disconnection
Warm Home Vouchers	Energy suppliers	£150	Automatically applied if eligible	Pension Credit or high energy costs + qualifying benefits
Cold Weather Payment	Government (DWP)	£25 per 7-day cold spell	Automatically triggered	Income-based benefits + cold temperature trigger

How Much Are Fuel Vouchers Worth?

Vouchers typically range from £30 to £49, though amounts differ by location and season. For example:

Lancashire: £30 per voucher
Manchester: £49 for families, £30 for single households

Winter vs. Summer: Higher amounts (e.g., £49) are common in winter, with smaller sums in spring or summer when heating needs drop.

Your exact amount depends on your council’s budget and your situation. Some areas, like those supported by the HSF, may offer one-off payments of up to £200 for energy debt or vouchers, as seen with YES Energy Solutions in 2024.

How Do You Use a Fuel Voucher?

Fuel vouchers aren’t cash—they’re non-transferable codes delivered by text, email, or post. To redeem one:

Take the code to your local top-up point (e.g., a PayPoint or Post Office).
Show proof of address and ID (like a passport or driving license).
Apply the full amount to your gas or electricity meter—you can’t split it.

Vouchers usually expire within 12 weeks, so check the deadline when you receive it.

What If You Don’t Qualify?

If you’re not eligible for a voucher, other help exists: Energy Supplier Support: Contact your supplier ASAP if you’re falling behind. They can offer:

Affordable payment plans
Tariff switches or debt relief (e.g., British Gas Energy Trust grants)
Enrollment in the Priority Services Register for faster future aid
Warm Home Discount: A £150 credit for eligible low-income households (runs October to March; check with your supplier for 2025-2026).
Charity Funds: Groups like National Energy Action or Act on Energy may provide small grants or vouchers in specific regions.

You can also spend some time determining which appliances use the most energy, so you can cut back by investing in economical items. Another option if you don’t get a voucher is to consider longer-term support like home insulation or boiler grants—learn more about the ECO Grant Scheme.

Check if You Qualify for the Warm Home Discount

If you receive certain benefits, you could qualify for £150 off your electricity bill or a £150 credit on your prepayment meter through the Warm Home Discount scheme. Payments are made automatically and are expected to arrive by 31 March 2025, so there’s no need to apply.

If your circumstances haven’t changed since last winter and you received the discount then, you’ll likely receive it again this year.

Not sure if you qualify this time? Here’s what to check:

Whether you’re receiving eligible benefits this year
If your energy supplier is taking part in the scheme

Which Benefits Count Toward Eligibility for the Warm Home Discount?

You will automatically qualify for the Warm Home Discount if you or your partner received the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit on 11 August 2024. If you’re unsure whether this applies to you, refer to your most recent Pension Credit statement.

You might also be eligible if you receive a different type of benefit and your home is considered to have high energy costs.

High energy costs don’t refer to your bill amounts but rather to the characteristics of your home—like its size, insulation, and heating system. This is assessed automatically by the government, so there’s no action required on your part.

You May Qualify for Warm Home Discount if You Received One of These Benefits on 11 August 2024

Universal Credit
Pension Credit Savings Credit
Housing Benefit
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Income Support
Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit (if your household income is below the required threshold)

If you’re claiming tax credits, your award letter will show your household income and the number of adults and children used in the calculation. You will only qualify for the Warm Home Discount if your supplier is part of the scheme.

Receiving the Warm Home Discount is separate from free gas and electric vouchers, but both forms of support can ease energy costs significantly. If you’re facing financial hardship, it’s worth checking eligibility for both.

Remember: The Warm Home Discount is separate from free gas and electric vouchers.
It’s possible to receive both if you meet eligibility requirements. The voucher helps with immediate top-ups, while the discount lowers future bills.

Could You Be Eligible for a Cold Weather Payment?

If you’re receiving certain benefits, you might qualify for a Cold Weather Payment—a one-off sum designed to help cover additional heating costs during freezing conditions.

These payments are triggered automatically between 1 November and 31 March whenever the average temperature in your local area stays at or below 0°C for seven consecutive days. You don’t need to apply; if you’re eligible, the payment is made directly to you.

Who Can Get a Gold Weather Payment?

You may receive this support if you’re already claiming any of the following:

Pension Credit
Income Support
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Universal Credit
Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI)

This extra help can make a real difference in the colder months, especially when paired with other options like free gas and electric vouchers.

What to Do Next

Check if you use a prepayment meter
Gather proof of benefits or low income
Contact your local council or Citizens Advice
Watch for voucher code by text, email, or post
Redeem before the expiry date (typically 12 weeks)

FAQs About Fuel Vouchers

Can I get a voucher in spring 2025?

Possibly, if your local council has HSF funds left or runs a crisis scheme—contact them to confirm.

Why don’t I get vouchers if I’m on direct debit?

Fuel vouchers are usually reserved for people on prepayment meters, where energy must be topped up in advance. These households face a higher risk of disconnection if they run out of credit — which is why most voucher schemes focus on topping up meters directly.
If you’re on direct debit and struggling to pay, you may still qualify for help through grants or supplier support schemes instead.

Can I get a fuel voucher and the Warm Home Discount?

Yes — if you’re eligible for both, you can receive them. The Warm Home Discount is a separate scheme that provides a £150 credit on your electricity account or prepayment meter. A fuel voucher, on the other hand, is a short-term, one-off support usually given through local councils or charities.
It’s worth checking eligibility for both forms of help, especially during colder months or if your circumstances have changed.

What happens if my energy supplier changes?

If your energy supplier switches (for example, if your current one closes or you’re moved to a new tariff), your eligibility for some schemes could change.
Here’s what to do:

Check if your new supplier participates in the Warm Home Discount.
Let voucher providers (like your local council) know about the change, as it might affect how vouchers are applied.
Contact your new supplier right away — they’re still required to support customers in financial hardship.

Do vouchers cover both gas and electricity?

Yes, but you choose one meter to apply the full amount per voucher.

What if I miss the deadline?

Expired vouchers can’t be used—act fast!

Do I need to repay fuel vouchers?

No. Fuel vouchers are a form of emergency assistance, not a loan. They do not need to be repaid, and they won’t affect your benefits or credit score.

How long does it take to get a fuel voucher after applying?

The processing time varies. Some local support services issue vouchers within 24–48 hours, while others may take up to a week, especially during peak periods. If it’s urgent, let the referral agency know—some can flag emergency needs for faster help.

Can I get help if I’m not on benefits?

Possibly. While benefits are a common eligibility route, many schemes also consider people:

On a low income
With no savings
Facing a short-term crisis (like illness, job loss, or domestic issues)

Speak to Citizens Advice or your local council—you may qualify for help even without benefits.

What happens if I lose my voucher code?

Contact the organisation that issued the voucher as soon as possible. In some cases, they may be able to reissue it, but this isn’t guaranteed—especially if the expiry date has passed. Always store your voucher code safely and use it promptly.

Related Resources:

In Summary

Rising energy costs are tough, but support like fuel vouchers can make a difference for prepayment meter users in 2025.

Check your eligibility with your local council or Citizens Advice, and don’t hesitate to contact your energy supplier if you’re struggling—they’re required to help. Stay proactive, explore all options, and keep warm without breaking the bank.

References

Citizens Advice – You Can’t Afford to Top Up Your Prepayment Meter

ofgem – Get Help if You Cannot Afford Your Energy Bill

Good to Know – Free Gas & Electric Vouchers: How They Work for Families with Prepayment Meters

Gov.uk – Warm Home Discount Scheme

Gov.uk – Cold Weather Payment