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.
·4 min read
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.
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