The UK government has confirmed that millions of households across the country will receive a £100 payment to help with energy bills this winter, but second homes, empty properties and households where the occupant is not responsible for paying council tax are not eligible for the support.
Chancellor John Healey announced the extra payment in his Budget last week, describing it as providing "breathing space" for families as the government aims to tackle the cost of living crisis. The payment, officially referred to as the "Household Energy Payment", will be made from January 2027.
Eligibility rules for the £100 payment
Households in England are eligible for the Household Energy Payment if they are liable for council tax on, and live in, a property in council tax bands A to D as their main home. Residents can check which council band their property falls into on the government website.
Properties that do not qualify include second homes, empty properties, and households where the householder is not responsible for paying council tax.
How the payment will be made
For those who pay by Direct Debit, no action is needed to claim the payment, as it will be paid directly into their bank account. Households that do not pay by Direct Debit will be invited by their council to apply directly.
The payment is intended to ease pressure on household budgets during the winter months, with the first payments scheduled to arrive in bank accounts in January.
