Who can get the energy help this winter in the UK — what’s available, who it’s for, and how to apply
Winter energy help in the UK includes the Winter Fuel Payment (Pension Age Winter Heating Payment in Scotland), the Warm Home Discount (one-off electricity rebate), Cold Weather Payments during severe cold, and local support from the Household Support Fund — here’s a short guide on who qualifies, how payments are made, and how to check or apply.
1) Winter Fuel Payment — who gets it and how much
What it is: an annual payment intended to help older people with heating costs over winter. For winter 2025–26, eligible people in England and Wales can get between £100 and £300 (amount depends on age and circumstances). The general rules for the 2025–2026 winter season are as follows: In England/Wales, most eligible individuals will receive a payment of approximately £200 (if they are between the state pension age and 79) or £300 (if they are 80 or older). Scotland operates an alternative mechanism called the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, which provides tiered support of around £203.40 (for individuals up to age 79) or £305.10 (for those aged 80 and above). Most people who qualify are paid automatically into the same account that receives their State Pension or qualifying benefit. If a person hasn’t received it before, or doesn’t get qualifying benefits, a claim can be made.
Who qualifies: people who reached State Pension age by the qualifying week (the third full week in September) and who live in the UK. There are some income-recovery rules (very high incomes may be recovered later through tax), so check the details if taxable income is high.
How to apply/check: most people don’t need to do anything. If you think you should have received it and didn’t, you can claim via the Winter Fuel Payment pages on GOV.UK or phone the Winter Fuel Payment centre.
2) Warm Home Discount — a one-off £150 rebate for vulnerable households
What it is: the Warm Home Discount gives a £150 reduction off electricity (or gas in some cases) for people on certain low-income benefits or who receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit. Suppliers identify eligible customers automatically; otherwise, in Scotland you normally need to apply directly to your supplier if you think you are eligible on low income grounds. The scheme is run supplier-by-supplier, so eligibility depends on the supplier you were with on the qualifying date.
Who qualifies: two main routes — (A) people getting Guarantee Credit of Pension Credit (usually identified automatically), and (B) low-income households who meet their supplier’s criteria (these may need to apply). The government has been consulting on widening the scheme to help more households in 2025–26.
How to apply/check: ask your energy supplier first — if you get Pension Credit Guarantee Credit the supplier will normally apply the discount automatically; if you’re on low income check your supplier’s guidance for the application window (Scotland has slightly different rules).
3) Cold Weather Payments — automatic help during severe cold snaps
What it is: a short-term payment of £25 for each 7-day period of very cold weather in your area (when the average temperature is 0°C or below for seven consecutive days), paid between 1 November and 31 March. Payments go to people on certain legacy benefits and to Pension Credit recipients.
Who qualifies: people receiving Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Universal Credit (with limited circumstances), and a few other means-tested benefits. The payment is automatic if you meet the rules — you don’t usually have to claim.
How to check: use the GOV.UK postcode checker (Cold Weather Payment checker) or contact DWP to confirm whether your benefits make you eligible.
4) Household Support Fund — local help for people in short-term crisis
What it is: local councils in England (and equivalent local schemes across the UK) run the Household Support Fund, which can be used for help with energy bills, food and essential costs for households in acute need. Funds and eligibility rules vary by council — some councils offer vouchers or direct payments, others partner with charities. The Fund runs on a government guidance framework but is delivered locally.
Who qualifies: families and individuals facing financial crisis who do not have other support options; eligibility and delivery differ by local authority, so the best route is to contact your local council or visit its website.
How to apply: contact your local council’s benefits or welfare team and ask about Household Support Fund help (some councils have online application forms, others work via referral from local charities). Councils can also tell you about other local hardship funds.
5) Scotland — Pension Age Winter Heating Payment (replacement for UK Winter Fuel Payment)
Scotland now pays the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment to most people of State Pension age living in Scotland; amounts vary by age and circumstances (examples published for 2025 show payments in bands around £101.70–£305.10). Most eligible Scots will be paid automatically by Social Security Scotland. If you live in Scotland, check the MyGov Scotland or Social Security Scotland pages for exact amounts and dates.
Quick checklist — how to get help right now
1.Check automatic entitlements first — Winter Fuel Payment / Pension Age Winter Heating Payment and Cold Weather Payments are usually paid automatically if eligible. GOV.UK and MyGov Scotland pages show the qualifying week and payment windows.
2.Contact your energy supplier to check Warm Home Discount eligibility (or to apply if your supplier requires an application).
3.Call or visit your local council for Household Support Fund help if you’re in crisis — councils hold local budgets and can issue help quickly in emergencies.
4.If in Scotland, check Social Security Scotland / MyGov for the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment rules and how it’s paid.