Help with heating oil costs

Rising heating oil prices – driven in part by current global events – continue to put pressure on households across the UK. To support those most affected, the Government has announced a £52.4 million package to help with the cost of domestic heating oil from 1 April 2026.

Below, we outline what this means for RAF personnel, veterans, and their families across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as where you can turn for support should you need it.

How the £52.4 million package will be distributed

• £27 million – England
• £4.6 million – Scotland
• £17 million – Northern Ireland
• £3.8 million – Wales

This funding is designed to ensure households using heating oil – or other domestic fuels – can maintain essential heating and hot water.

England

From 1 April 2026, support will be delivered through a new Crisis and Resilience Fund, administered by local councils.

Key points:

• Councils will set their own eligibility criteria.
• Open to households using any domestic fuel, including heating oil and LPG.
• Funding is not ringfenced exclusively for fuel costs.
• Award amounts will vary by area, but are expected to be sufficient to allow a topup of heating oil to prevent loss of heating or hot water.
• Councils will host dedicated application webpages, with successful claims paid within 48 hours.
• Funding is available until 31 March 2027.

Scotland

The Scottish Government has pledged an additional £5.4 million to help households with heating oil costs.

• Applications open 1 April 2026 through the new Scottish Emergency Oil Heating Scheme.
• The scheme will be delivered by Advice Direct Scotland, which will publish eligibility details and application guidance in due course.

Wales and Northern Ireland

Households will need to apply through their local council, each of which will set its own criteria and application process.

All new schemes begin 1 April 2026.

Future Regulation of the Heating Oil Market

The Government has confirmed plans to introduce regulation and stronger consumer protections for the heating oil sector. This is expected to offer households more stability and improved safeguards in the future.

If you or someone in the RAF Family is struggling with heating costs – or any other essential household expenses – we are here to help.

Call us on 0300 102 1919.