Help with winter energy costs for people on benefits

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If you're on benefits, you may be entitled to extra payments to help with the costs of heating your home during the winter months.

The payments you may get

If you qualify for these payments, you should receive them automatically, in the same way you get your benefits paid. The timing may vary; choose any section to get more details.

Warm Home Discount

What it is

It's £150 off your electricity bill in winter.

Who gets it

Certain low‑income or pensioner households with a participating energy supplier (usually those on Pension Credit or other means‑tested benefits).

How it’s paid

Added directly to your electricity account, or as a voucher if you use a prepayment meter.

How to get it

Most people are identified automatically and get a letter. Park home residents apply separately each year.

Find out more about the Warm Home Discount

Winter Fuel Payment

What it is

£200 to £300 paid each year to help with heating costs if you’re over State Pension age.

Who gets it

People born before 22 September 1959 who are living in the UK during the qualifying week.

How it’s paid

Paid into your bank or building society, or sent by cheque. Households with an income over £35,000 will repay it through tax.

How to get it

Usually automatic if you get State Pension. Payments are made in November or December. Some people (for example, if you're living abroad) may need to claim.

Find out more about the Winter Fuel Payment

Cold Weather Payment

What it is

A payment of £25 for periods of extended severely cold weather (You’ll get a payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees celsius or below, over 7 consecutive days, at any time between the start of November and the end of March.

Who gets it

You may get Cold Weather Payments if you’re getting certain benefits or Support for Mortgage Interest

How it’s paid

After each period of very cold weather in your area, you should get a payment within 14 working days. It’s paid into the same bank or building society account as your benefit payments.

How to get it

You do not need to apply. If you’re eligible to get Cold Weather Payments, you’ll be paid automatically.

Find out more about Cold Weather Payments

If you're struggling with your bills

You may qualify for other help and support, through both local and national schemes to help people in crisis or on lower incomes. Advice, wellbeing support and financial help are all available.

Get help with fuel bills and the cost of living

Get co-ordinated local help from the Community Wellbeing Hub

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