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.
By James Whitfield
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15 January 2026
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Last reviewed: 20 March 2026
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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.
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 .