Millions of households could receive extra help with energy bills this winter through three Government schemes offering payments and discounts to those who qualify. Support worth hundreds of pounds is available through the Winter Fuel Payment, Warm Home Discount and Cold Weather Payment schemes.
The help comes as the Government considers further changes to the energy market, with reforms aimed at bringing down bills and improving protections for customers. However, the amount people receive will depend on their age, benefits and circumstances, while some payments are only made during periods of particularly cold weather.
Winter Fuel Payment – up to £300
Pensioners born on or before June 27, 1960, could receive between £100 and £300 to help with heating costs. Most eligible people will receive the money automatically in November or December, although some may need to make a claim.
Those with an individual income above £35,000 will have the payment recovered by HMRC.
Warm Home Discount – £150
Low-income households could also get £150 taken off their electricity bill through the Warm Home Discount scheme. The discount is applied by participating energy suppliers rather than paid directly into people's bank accounts.
In England and Wales, eligibility includes people receiving certain means-tested benefits, including Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and income-related Employment and Support Allowance. Most eligible households will receive a letter confirming their entitlement, with discounts applied by March 31, 2027.
Cold Weather Payment – £25 per qualifying period
People receiving certain benefits could get £25 whenever temperatures in their area reach, or are forecast to reach, freezing or below for seven consecutive days. The scheme runs from November 1, 2026, until March 31, 2027.
Payments are made automatically, usually within 14 working days of a qualifying cold spell. There is no fixed total, meaning households could receive more than one payment if several qualifying periods occur.
Cold Weather Payments are not available in Scotland, where a separate Winter Heating Payment operates. Households may qualify for more than one form of support, although eligibility differs between schemes. Anyone unsure what they can claim can check the Government's website for the latest eligibility rules.
