How to Apply for the UK High Fuel Price Support Scheme

Financial Assistance for Victims of High Oil Prices: UK 2026 Guide

In May 2026, the UK government has introduced and modified several schemes to combat high fuel and energy prices. While there isn’t one single “High Fuel Price Support Scheme” by that exact name, the primary financial support measure for 2026 is the £50 Million Heating Oil Support and the newly launched Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF).

📋 Slide 1: 2026 Support Overview

The UK government has pivoted toward targeted support for those most affected by volatile fuel prices, particularly in rural areas.

• Heating Oil Support (£50M): Announced in March 2026 specifically for low-income families using kerosene (heating oil).
• Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF): Replaced the Household Support Fund on April 1, 2026, to provide emergency help with fuel, water, and food.
• Fuel Finder Scheme: A new transparency requirement for petrol stations to help drivers find the cheapest road fuel.

🎯 Slide 2: Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the most direct “Fuel Price” financial support (Heating Oil and CRF), you generally must meet the following:

🪵 Heating Oil Support

• Must use kerosene/heating oil as your primary heating source.
• Must be considered “low-income” (typically under £20,328 per year or receiving means-tested benefits).
• Primarily targeted at rural communities without access to the gas grid.

🪙 Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF)

• Available to anyone in “immediate financial distress.”
• Eligibility is determined by your local council based on local needs.

🛠️ Slide 3: How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Identify Your Local Authority

Since the 2026 support is decentralized, funding for heating oil and emergency fuel vouchers is distributed by local councils.

• Visit the GOV.UK “Find your local council” tool.

Step 2: Contact the “Crisis and Resilience” Team

• Search your council’s website for “Crisis and Resilience Fund” or “Financial Support.”
• If you heat your home with oil, specifically ask about the “2026 Heating Oil Grant.”

Step 3: Provide Evidence

You will likely need to provide:

• A recent utility bill or proof of address.
• Proof of income (wage slips) or benefit award letters (Universal Credit, Pension Credit).
• Evidence of a recent heating oil purchase or an empty tank quote.

⚡ Slide 4: Standard Energy Support (Ongoing)

In addition to the 2026-specific fuel support, ensure you are receiving the standard winter payments:

• Winter Fuel Payment (2026/27): Available if born before June 28, 1960.
  • Action: Usually automatic. If you don’t receive a letter by November 2026, you must claim via the DWP.
• Warm Home Discount:£150 rebate applied to your electricity bill.
  • Action: Automatic if you receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit or meet the “low income” criteria on the qualifying date (August 2025).

🚗 Slide 5: Road Fuel Support (Fuel Finder 2026)

For drivers struggling with high petrol/diesel prices, the government launched the Fuel Finder Scheme on February 2, 2026.

• What it is: A legal requirement for petrol stations to publish live prices every 30 minutes.
• How to “Apply” the savings: Use third-party apps like PetrolPrices or Google Maps and filter by your current postcode.

💡 CMA Estimation: The CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) estimates this saves the average driver £40 per year by ensuring competitive local pricing.