Scots who rely on heating oil can now grab £300 of support from today [WED], thanks to a new scheme aimed at helping households hammered by rising oil and LPG costs.

This comes at a really tough time, with rising costs across the islands becoming almost impossible to bear. People are feeling the squeeze from soaring oil and fuel prices, and even the weekly shop seems to jump up in cost every time you go.

The Scottish Emergency Heating Oil Scheme is now live, with Advice Direct Scotland running it for the Scottish Government. If you’re approved, the £300 goes straight to your oil or LPG supplier to take the edge off your next delivery.

The fund is aimed at low‑income and vulnerable households, especially anyone already on means‑tested benefits. If you get Universal Credit, Scottish Child Payment, Housing Benefit, Income Support, income‑based JSA, income‑based ESA or Pension Credit, you should qualify automatically.

Applying is simple: visit homeheatingadvice.scot, call 0800 048 7413, or send in a postal form — just be ready to show proof you’re eligible.

The scheme will run for up to six months and will be reviewed as it goes. People who are struggling so much that they’re thinking about cutting back on heating, and who are classed as vulnerable, may also be able to get help.

Andrew Bartlett, Chief Executive of Advice Direct Scotland, said:

“Applications are now open for the new Scottish Emergency Heating Oil Scheme, which provides £300 to eligible Scots struggling to pay the rising cost of oil and LPG heating. This is a targeted fund to help those in need, especially vulnerable households in rural areas.”