Kent Oil Heating Support Scheme
Purpose of the Scheme
To provide emergency financial assistance to low-income households in Kent who rely on heating oil, are close to running out, and cannot afford the minimum delivery volume.
FHDC CRF Policy May 2026 (PDF, 318KB)
Eligibility Criteria set by Kent County Council
To be eligible for support, applicants must:
- be aged 16 or over
- be permanently living within the Folkestone and Hythe District.
- be in receipt of means-tested benefits or have a total household income of £33,000 or less per year.
- use heating oil as the main source of heating and/or hot water.
- have 150 litres of heating oil or less remaining
- be unable to afford the minimum order required for a heating oil delivery
Evidence Requirements
Applicants may be asked to provide:
- proof of financial circumstances, such as:
- bank statements from the last 3 months
- payslips from the last 3 months
- evidence of benefits received
Proof of identity and address, such as:
- National Insurance number and a bank statement
- Council tax bill or utility bill
Proof of heating oil use, such as:
- a recent invoice or delivery receipt
- bank statement showing payment to a heating oil supplier
- tenancy agreement confirming oil-based heating
Award
Where eligibility and evidence requirements are met, eligible residents will receive an award of £300, designed to contribute towards the rising cost of heating oil rather than cover the full cost of supply.
How to Apply
Applications are made online but if you need help to apply, please send your details to support@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk and we'll call or email you to discuss your needs. Please can you include your account number, 1st line of address and your preferred method of contact in your email.
If you are already working with a local support agency, support worker or charity, they might be able to help you to apply. Ask the group leader or support worker you already have a relationship with to see if they can help you apply.
If you need help with your online application, you can call us on 01303 853555. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm.
Demand for schemes of this type have previously been extremely high so please allow us 28 days to process your application before contacting the council.
Apply for CFR Heating Oil Support
If you are in crisis, need any further information or need help with heating oil and you live outside of the Folkestone and Hythe District please check the Kent County Council Crisit and Resilience Fund Page.