23rd March 2026
Both the Scottish and UK Governments are set to launch new heating oil support schemes on 1 April 2026. Detailed eligibility rules and application routes for these specific funds are expected to be published in the coming days.
Scotland: Scottish Emergency Oil Heating Scheme
Launch Date: 1 April 2026.
Rules/Eligibility: Full details will be made public in the "coming days".
Funding: A £10 million total fund, combining £4.6 million from the UK Government and an additional £5.4 million from the Scottish Government.
How to Apply: The scheme will be delivered through Advice Direct Scotland.
England: Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF)
Launch Date: 1 April 2026.
Rules/Eligibility: This fund replaces the Household Support Fund. Rules will be set at a local level by individual councils.
Funding: £27 million specifically allocated for low-income households using heating oil.
How to Apply: Applications must be made directly through your local council's website.
Wales & Northern Ireland
Wales: Will receive £3.8 million to be distributed by the Welsh Government.
Northern Ireland: Will receive £17 million, reflecting the high number of oil-heated homes there.
Detailed rules for these nations are still being developed by their respective devolved governments.
Support Available Right Now
If you are in immediate need before 1 April:
In Scotland: You can apply for a Crisis Grant through the Scottish Welfare Fund at your local council.
In England: Contact your local authority to apply for the current Household Support Fund.
In Wales: You may be eligible for an Emergency Assistance Payment (up to £750 for heating oil) via the Discretionary Assistance Fund.
The Scottish Government
For residents in the Highland Council area, the upcoming Scottish Emergency Oil Heating Scheme is expected to open for applications on 1 April 2026.
While specific local application forms for this new fund are not yet live, the Council provides several immediate ways to access support and will update its website as soon as the final Scottish Government guidance is received.
How to Get Support in the Highlands
Scottish Emergency Oil Heating Scheme (From 1 April 2026): This scheme is intended for low-income households reliant on heating oil. It will be delivered through Advice Direct Scotland. You should check the Highland Council website for a dedicated application link closer to the launch date.
Welfare Support Team (Immediate Help): If you are currently struggling with fuel costs, you can contact the Council's Welfare Support Team for a benefit check or crisis assistance.
Phone: 0800 090 1004
Email: welfare.support@highland.gov.uk
Scottish Welfare Fund: You may be eligible for a Crisis Grant to cover emergency heating costs before the new oil-specific scheme begins. Applications are handled by the local council.
Citizens Advice Bureau (Highland): Specialist energy advisors are available to help reduce bills and check for available grants.
Inverness, Badenoch and Strathspey: 01463 237664
Ross and Cromarty: 01349 883333
Caithness: 01847 894243
Long-term Energy Efficiency
Highland Council also runs the Energy Efficient Scotland: Area Based Scheme (EES:ABS), which can provide grants for heating upgrades (including oil to heat pumps) for eligible households in Council Tax bands A-D.
Enquiries: ees-abs@highland.gov.uk