Energy Grants, Discounts and Help with Bills in the UK

Energy Grants and Schemes UK 2026 — Help with Bills

Government and supplier schemes to help with energy costs. Warm Home Discount, Winter Fuel Payment, ECO4, Boiler Upgrade Scheme, and emergency support.

· · Last reviewed: · 4 min read

Benefits information is based on current DWP and HMRC rules. Entitlements depend on your personal circumstances. For free personalised help, contact Citizens Advice or call the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644.

If you are struggling with energy costs, there are several government schemes and other support options that could help — from one-off payments to grants for insulation and heating upgrades.

For a full overview that compares the main schemes and shows when to use benefits support rather than practical energy advice, see our Energy Grants, Discounts and Help with Bills hub.

Support Overview

Scheme Amount Who For
Warm Home Discount £150 Low income, certain benefits
Winter Fuel Payment £100–£300 State Pension age
Cold Weather Payment £25 per cold spell Certain benefits, cold weather
ECO4 Scheme Free insulation/heating Low income, EPC bands D–G
Boiler Upgrade Scheme £5,000–£6,000 Heat pump replacement
Household Support Fund Varies Via local council
Supplier hardship funds Varies Customers struggling to pay

Warm Home Discount

Overview

Detail Info
Amount £150 off electricity bill
When paid October – March (varies by supplier)
How Credited to your electricity account
Application Automatic for most; some need to apply

Who Qualifies

Group How You Qualify
Core Group 1 Receive Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit — automatic
Core Group 2 On certain means-tested benefits AND high energy costs — may be automatic or need to apply

Core Group 2 benefits that may qualify:

  • Income-related ESA
  • Income-based JSA
  • Income Support
  • Universal Credit (depending on income)
  • Housing Benefit
  • Child Tax Credit
  • Working Tax Credit
  • Pension Credit (Savings Credit only)

How to Get It

Situation Action
Core Group 1 Automatic — letter confirms payment
Core Group 2 Supplier will write if you may be eligible; some require application
Not sure Contact your energy supplier

Winter Fuel Payment

Overview

Detail Info
Amount £100–£300 depending on circumstances
Who for Everyone at or above State Pension age
When paid November – December, automatically
How Paid into your bank account

Payment Amounts

Living Situation If Born Before 23/9/1944 If Born 23/9/1944 or After
Live alone, own home £300 £200
Live with someone 80+ (both qualify) £150 each £100 each
Live with someone under 80 (both qualify) £150 each £100 each
Live with someone who doesn’t qualify £300 £200
In care home £150 £100

How to Get It

Situation Action
Already receiving State Pension Automatic — no action needed
Reaching pension age this year Should receive automatically
Not received it Check with DWP or call Winter Fuel Payment Centre

Cold Weather Payment

Overview

Detail Info
Amount £25 for each 7-day cold spell
Trigger Temperature 0°C or below for 7+ consecutive days
When November – March
How Automatic — added to benefit payment or paid separately

Who Qualifies

You must receive one of these benefits:

  • Pension Credit
  • Income Support
  • Income-based JSA
  • Income-related ESA (certain groups)
  • Universal Credit (certain groups)

ECO4 Scheme (Free Insulation/Heating)

Overview

Detail Info
What’s included Loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, solid wall insulation, boiler upgrade, heating controls, solar panels (some cases)
Cost Free or heavily subsidised
Who delivers Energy suppliers (through approved installers)
Duration Until 2026

Who Qualifies

Criteria Detail
Benefits-based On qualifying means-tested benefits
Low income/health Household income below threshold + health conditions
EPC band Usually D, E, F, or G
Property type Most property types eligible

Qualifying Benefits

  • Income-based JSA
  • Income-related ESA
  • Income Support
  • Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit)
  • Working Tax Credit
  • Child Tax Credit
  • Universal Credit
  • Housing Benefit
  • Child Benefit (in some cases with income threshold)

How to Apply

Step Action
1 Check your EPC rating (online at EPC register)
2 Check if you are on a qualifying benefit
3 Contact your energy supplier OR
4 Use the Simple Energy Advice website
5 Installer assesses your home
6 Work is carried out

Boiler Upgrade Scheme

Overview

Detail Info
Grant amount £5,000 (air source heat pump) / £6,000 (ground source heat pump)
What it covers Part of heat pump installation cost
Who for Homeowners in England and Wales
Deadline Until 2028

How It Works

Step Action
1 Get EPC for your property
2 Find MCS-certified installer
3 Installer applies for voucher on your behalf
4 Grant applied to your installation cost

Household Support Fund

Detail Info
What it is Emergency support fund via local councils
What it covers Energy bills, food, essentials
Amount Varies by council
How to apply Contact your local council
Eligibility Usually for those on low income or in crisis

Energy Supplier Hardship Funds

Supplier Fund Name
British Gas Energy Trust
EDF Energy Fund
E.ON Energy Fund
Scottish Power Hardship Fund
OVO Debt Relief Scheme

How to Apply

Step Action
1 Check your supplier’s website for their fund
2 Usually need to show you cannot pay
3 May need to demonstrate budgeting efforts
4 Often clears debt rather than cash payment

What to Do If Struggling

Step Action
1 Contact your supplier — they must help
2 Ask about payment plans
3 Check if you qualify for schemes above
4 Contact Citizens Advice for free help
5 Check local council support
6 Consider budgeting review (budget planner guide)

For more on managing energy costs, see our reduce energy bills guide and benefits overview.

Sources

  1. GOV.UK — Benefits
  2. Citizens Advice — Benefits