Those receiving disability benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), and Attendance Allowance are set to get help with their . A newly launched service will provide advice on bills, grants, discounts and household energy-efficiency measures as winter looms.

This follows the recent news that the £300 Winter Fuel Payment has been restricted to those on Pension Credit and some other means-tested support, leaving out older people who only receive State or disability benefits. The Warm Homes Discount of £150 for low-income households has also been revised and since 2022, it is no longer accessible to people on PIP, DLA and Attendance Allowance.

Campaigners insist that more needs to be done, as high due to medical equipment and health conditions have left those with disabilities nearly £2,000 in debt with their gas and electricity bills.

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UK gas distribution network Cadent has announced a new £1.8million initiative in collaboration with Scope, the disability equality charity. With a commitment to fight fuel poverty and assist those who are digitally excluded, the Cadent grant will be used to directly engage with disabled individuals and their families, reports .

The newly launched Scope Community Disability Energy Advice Service is set to deliver guidance and assistance to an estimated 225,000 disabled people over the forthcoming two years. The service will operate in four locations Manchester, Norwich, Stoke on Trent, and London where teams will provide hands-on advice regarding energy bills, grants, discounts, and how to improve energy efficiency.

The scheme is designed to help disabled individuals maintain a safe and warm environment at home while managing to cut down on expenses. As a component of this effort, Scope plans to conduct one-to-one sessions with disabled persons to develop customised energy action plans.

Jacqui Osborne, who heads the community disability energy advice programme at Scope, said: "The past few years have been challenging for disabled people and their families. The higher cost of specialist equipment, higher usage of energy and an inadequate welfare system, are all making it harder for disabled households to meet the extra cost of disability. On average disabled households, with at least one disabled adult or child, need an additional £1,010 a month to have the same standard of living as non-disabled households."

She further added: "This new partnership with Cadent will enable us to reach far more disabled people who are struggling with their energy costs. We already reach thousands via our helpline and over email, but this will take our service to the heart of communities. It will help us reach those who are digitally excluded with bespoke and accessible support."