The Scottish Government has provided more details on its Emergency Heating Oil Scheme, which aims to help households manage rising heating costs.
From 1 April 2026, eligible households will be able to apply for a £300 payment towards their heating bills.
The scheme is available to homes using both heating oil and Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG).
Where possible, payments will be made directly to fuel suppliers, so qualifying households can place an order for heating fuel without delay.
The scheme is being managed by Advice Direct Scotland (ADS) and is expected to run for up to six months, with potentially two application windows during that time, subject to funding availability.
Applications
- Open online from Wednesday 1 April 2026, or by phoning ADS on 0800 048 7413
- Payment will be made directly to your fuel supplier account
- Apply online via Home Heating Advice
- For questions, phone ADS on 0800 048 7413
Eligibility
To qualify for a payment, you must:
- Be the bill payer in a home heated by oil or LPG
- Live in your main or only home
- Have purchased fuel after 1 April 2026, or plan to order soon
- Not have received an award at the same address in the last 3 months
Automatic approval applies if you are in receipt of a means-tested low-income benefit, such as:
- Universal Credit (including Scottish Child Payment)
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- Income-based Job Seekers Allowance
- Income-based Employment Support Allowance
- Pension Credit
Discretionary support may be considered if you do not receive a low-income benefit, but are in financial hardship and at risk of self-rationing. Examples include:
- Need for heat due to health, age (under 5 or over 75), disability, chronic illness, mental health, recent hospital stay, or end-of-life care
- Rural or remote location
- Other vulnerabilities such as debt, waiting for a benefit decision or appeal, a major life event, or a recent bereavement
Carnegie Fuels will ensure any payment received is correctly applied to your account, either for a new order or to clear an existing balance.
As more information is announced by the Scottish Government, we will make sure our customers are kept informed.
Where to get help
Apply or ask eligibility questions:
Advice Direct Scotland
0800 048 7413
Applications open Wednesday 1 April 2026.
