The Scottish Emergency Heating Oil Scheme has been extended into winter, meaning eligible UK households can still apply for £300 heating payments. The scheme was introduced on April 1 to help low income households cover higher heating oil and Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) prices, which have been driven by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The Scottish Government confirmed the scheme has been extended beyond its initial six-month period while heating oil and LPG prices continue to be volatile, ensuring households that are most in need can apply for support over the winter and beyond.
Who can apply
The scheme is targeted at low income households in Scotland, including those receiving means-tested benefits, but it is also open to those in financial hardship and at risk of self-rationing fuel who have unavoidable heating needs.
According to the Scottish Government, around 7% of households in Scotland rely on heating oil or LPG, with rural and island areas disproportionately affected. Rural homes often need heating oil as they are based in “off-grid” areas and do not have access to the main gas network.
It is estimated that approximately 142,000 Scottish households use heating oil, while around 27,000 use LPG. So far, more than 6,700 payments have been made since the scheme launched, and the extension means households will be able to apply for £300 payments this winter.
How the payments work
The £300 payments are made directly to suppliers to help qualifying households place an order. You can apply if all of the following apply: your home is heated by oil or LPG; you pay the fuel bill for your home; the home is your main or only home; you have bought fuel on or after Wednesday 1 April 2026 or you are about to place an order; and no one at your address has had an award in the last three months.
If you qualify, the fund will pay your fuel supplier directly to ensure the £300 is used for heating oil or LPG. Eligible households can receive one payment every three calendar months, so if, for example, you were paid in July, you can apply again in October.
Energy Minister Stephen Gethins said: “More than 6,700 payments have been made since the Scottish Government launched this scheme to ensure households with the greatest need could meet the cost of keeping their homes warm.
“While prices have fallen since the peak in March, ongoing international uncertainty means further increases cannot be ruled out this winter. That is why we are extending the scheme so eligible households can still apply for support if prices remain high over the colder months to come.
“But providing support with fuel costs is only part of the picture. Improving a home's energy efficiency or switching to a cleaner heating system can help people lower their energy bills for years to come, as well as making homes warmer and more comfortable.
“Whether you are a tenant or a homeowner, now is the perfect time to speak with Home Energy Scotland's expert advisers, who can provide free, impartial advice on the grants, loans and support available to help households reduce their energy use and cut costs.”
