UK households can access several schemes to stay warm this winter without pushing up energy bills, including free heated throws from suppliers, a £150 Warm Home Discount and a new £100 Household Energy Payment.
Free heated throws and energy-saving products
Some energy suppliers are offering free heated throws to help households keep warm. Octopus Energy provides heated throws through its Octo Assist scheme, which prioritises customers in vulnerable circumstances. Customers may need to complete an assessment to establish whether they qualify, and availability is limited. Support is not guaranteed, so households should contact their supplier to find out what is available.
OVO has also opened applications for heated throws through its Extra Support Package, with customers who need additional support able to apply for a wider range of free energy-saving products. Applications opened on November 2, offering items such as rechargeable hot-water bottles, heat pads, thermos flasks, LED bulbs and smart plugs. The products are intended to help households manage energy use and stay warm without relying as much on central heating. Eligibility depends on individual circumstances.
Warm Home Discount and new £100 payment
The government recently announced the Warm Home Discount scheme for winter 2026/27, which states that eligible households in England and Wales can receive a £150 discount on their electricity bill. To qualify, one person in the household must have been receiving a qualifying benefit on August 23, 2026, including Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance or Pension Credit. The eligible person, or their partner, must also be named on the electricity bill and supplied by a participating energy company. All energy suppliers with more than 1,000 customers must provide this scheme.
Most eligible households will receive the discount automatically, with letters expected between late October 2026 and early January 2027, and rebates applied by March 31, 2027. In the Autumn Budget, Chancellor John Healey confirmed a £100 Household Energy Payment, with payments expected from January 2027. The payment will help people living in their main home who are liable for council tax and whose property falls within bands A to D. It will not be available to people living in second homes or empty properties, or those who do not pay council tax. Most households paying council tax by direct debit should receive the money automatically, while others will be invited to apply through their local council. The payment is separate from the Warm Home Discount, meaning households who qualify for both could receive £250 in support.
Cold Weather Payments and Winter Fuel Payment
Cold Weather Payments provide £25 to eligible households in England, Wales and Northern Ireland when the average temperature in their area is recorded or forecast to be zero degrees Celsius or below for seven consecutive days. People receiving certain benefits or Support for Mortgage Interest may qualify, with payments made automatically between November 1, 2026, and March 31, 2027. Scotland has a separate Winter Heating Payment scheme.
Older households may also qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment. People born on or before June 27, 1960, could receive between £100 and £300, depending on their age and circumstances. Most payments are made automatically in November or December.
Oliver Nicholas, director at The LED Specialist, said: "Households should definitely explore this support through their energy supplier or the Government. Even where a payment is not due until the new year, checking eligibility now could help people plan ahead and make the most of the assistance available at an expensive time of year."
