Rising energy prices put a heavy strain on household budgets. If you’re on a low income or receiving certain benefits, you may be eligible for financial support to help with your heating and electricity costs. Here’s a guide to what’s available, who qualifies, and how to apply.

Not sure what you can claim?

See which benefits and support you may be entitled to.

1. Warm Home Discount Scheme

The Warm Home Discount offers a one-off £150 discount on your electricity bill. In some cases, if you have a dual-fuel account and your supplier participates, the discount may also be applied to your gas bill. The scheme is currently closed, and it is expected to reopen at the end of October 2025.

If you meet the eligibility criteria, the discount is usually applied automatically, particularly in England and Wales. In Scotland, those on the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit receive it automatically, while others must apply through their energy supplier (if they qualify under a broader group). The scheme does not apply in Northern Ireland, which operates its own support programmes.

To qualify, you generally need to either:

  • Receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, or
  • Be on a low income and receive certain means-tested benefits, subject to your supplier’s criteria and scheme rules.

2. Energy-Saving Improvement Schemes

Improving your home’s insulation or heating system can help reduce bills long term. Government-backed schemes have offered assistance:

ECO4 ends on 31 December 2026We can no longer help with ECO4 applications. The Great British Insulation Scheme closed on 31 March 2026. You can apply for a free home battery or see other funding options.
  • ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation, Phase 4):
    This scheme helps fund insulation, heating system upgrades, and other energy-efficiency measures in homes, especially those with EPC ratings D to G. It prioritises the least efficient properties and often supports a whole-house retrofit approach. ECO4 runs until 31 December 2026.
  • Great British Insulation Scheme:
    Mostly offered single insulation measures (e.g. loft or cavity wall insulation) for homes with an EPC rating of D to G. It closed on 31 March 2026.

Tip: You can use our EPC Checker to see your home’s current Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating. It only takes a few minutes.

3. Winter Payments & Emergency Help

  • Cold Weather Payment (England, Wales, Northern Ireland) You may receive £25 for each 7-day period during which average temperatures in your area fall to 0 °C or below, between 1 November and 31 March. If eligible, this payment is automatic (no need to apply). To qualify, you must receive certain benefits such as Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related ESA, or fulfilling certain conditions under Universal Credit. The Cold Weather Payment does not apply to people living in Scotland.
  • In Scotland — Winter Heating Payment Scotland does not provide cold-weather-triggered payments under the UK Cold Weather scheme. Instead, eligible Scots receive a Winter Heating Payment, which is a single annual payment paid whether or not there are extreme cold spells. The payment is typically made automatically to those receiving qualifying benefits. Social Security Scotland sends a letter or notification letting eligible recipients know they will receive the payment.
  • Household Support Fund / Emergency Grants Local councils may provide emergency financial support for essentials like energy, food, or clothing. These support schemes vary by local area, in eligibility, amounts, and application methods.

4. If You’re Struggling to Pay Your Bill

  • Contact your supplier early.
    Ask for a repayment plan, hardship fund, or check if you’re eligible for their support (some suppliers have debt help programmes).
  • If you use a prepayment meter:
    You may be able to request emergency credit or top-up vouchers. Some councils, Citizens Advice, or local charities offer fuel vouchers or codes to help top up your meter. The availability depends on your supplier or local support schemes.

5. Additional Tips

  • Use a benefits calculator (e.g. Turn2Us, EntitledTo) to check whether you’re missing out on support.
  • Keep your contact details and benefit records up to date, because many support payments are issued automatically based on existing data.
  • If you’re not eligible for the Warm Home Discount now, check again when the scheme reopens (October 2025).

Where to Get Help

  • Citizens Advice: Free support for dealing with energy bills, applying for help, and disputes with suppliers.
  • Your Local Council: For local grants, support funds, and energy-efficiency schemes.
  • Your Energy Supplier: Ask about help for customers in debt, hardship programmes, or eligibility for energy-efficiency upgrades and discounts.

Don’t Forget

Looking to cut your energy bills? You can apply for a free home battery or see other funding options.