WE have begun the year in the grip of bone-chilling Arctic blasts.

It could not have come at a worse time for the nearly ten million UK pensioners whose Winter Fuel Payments have just been axed.

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It also coincides with a rise in energy bills for 26million customers on standard tariffs.

Prices went up by 1.2 per cent on January 1, costing households on average an extra £21 a year. It follows a ten per cent hike in October, when bills shot up £149.

The UK Health Security Agency said an amber alert for cold weather will remain until at least Wednesday.

OAPs already faced a hard winter after Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Autumn Statement decreeing that the Winter Fuel Payment — which used to be paid to anyone of state- pension age — would be means-tested, with only those on certain benefits including Pension Credit keeping it.

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The deadline to apply for Pension Credit in time to keep this year’s payment passed just before Christmas.

Age UK’s director Caroline Abrahams said: “We urge older people to do everything they can to stay warm, even if that means risking spending more on their heating than they feel they can afford.”

But many are unaware that Winter Fuel Payments are just one of a number of sources of help they could qualify for.

The Sun’s Winter Fuel SOS campaign has already helped pensioners towards extra funds they could be getting.

Here we highlight the support available . . . 

1. SEND A METER READING

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Make sure you send a reading this weekend, to reduce the risk of your estimated bills being higher than is necessary.

This is only relevant if you do not have a smart meter — or you do have one and it is broken.

2. GET ENERGY GRANT

Several energy firms have grant schemes available to help struggling customers. You could get up to £2,000 a year.

You do not need to be a customer of British Gas to apply for help via its scheme. Its customer services team can be reached on 0333 202 9532.

EDF (0333 200 5100), E.ON (0808 501 5200) and Octopus (0808 164 1088) also offer grants to customers.

3. HOME-IMPROVEMENT GRANT

Ensuring your home is properly insulated is one of the best ways to reduce your energy bills.

Cavity-wall insulation could cut your costs by £240 a year, while adding a jacket to your water tank could save £40, says the Energy Saving Trust.

Some insulation measures are expensive but if you are on a low income and your home has a high energy rating, you could be eligible for grants or free help.

If you are a homeowner, apply at: gov.uk/apply-great-british-insulation-scheme. If a tenant, you need to enquire with your landlord first.

4. CHECK YOUR BENEFITS

Make sure you are getting all the help you are entitled to from the Government.

The key benefits to check are . . . 

• The Warm Homes Discount Scheme which gives people in receipt of certain benefits or with low incomes and high energy needs a £150 discount on their energy bills.
• Winter Fuel Payments, which give OAPs who get Pension Credit or certain other benefits between £200 and £300 towards energy bills.
• Cold Weather Payments, which pay £25 for each seven-day period of sub-zero temperatures to those people on qualifying benefits.

These are all usually paid automatically if you are claiming certain benefits but you should check if you are missing out, using the Turn2Us website calculator.

5. FREE CASH TOWARD BILLS

You may be able to get free cash or energy credit from your council via the Household Support Fund.

This is usually paid to those on low incomes or the elderly. Some may qualify for £500 toward their winter bills.

Check with your council if you can apply. See gov.uk/find-local-council.

6. FREE ENERGY-SAVING GADGET

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Some energy firms are giving away energy-saving freebies to help their customers.

For example, Octopus is offering electric blankets to those who are struggling with bills, as part of its Octo Assist fund.

See octopus.energy/blog/free-electric-blankets-for-our-most-vulnerable.

7. SWITCH TO A FIXED DEAL

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If you are not on a fixed tariff, you could be missing out on hundreds of pounds of savings a year.

The cheapest fixed deal on the market is currently from So Energy, which costs £1,607 and is set for 24 months.

You will need to consider that there is an exit fee of up to £150 if you want to switch again before the deal ends.

Bills are expected to rise again in April, according to analyst Cornwall Insight.

8. HELP FOR VULNERABLE HOUSEHOLDS

Thousands of vulnerable households — including those with elderly or ill members, or young children — are missing out on extra help and protection by not signing themselves up to the Priority Services Register.

You will be given advance warning of power cuts, free gas-safety checks and extra support if you’re struggling to pay your bills.

Get in touch with your energy firm to apply for this help.