Discounts & Payments
The government offer a range of discounts and heating payments to those who qualify. These can help you manage your energy bills, including discounts and heating payments.
Warm Home Discount
You could save £150 off your electricity through the Warm Home Discount. It’s a one-time discount on your electricity bill, available between October and March.
You may qualify for the discount if:
- Your electricity supplier participates in the scheme
- Your name is on the bill
- You receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit
Even without the Guarantee Credit element, you may still apply for help directly from your electricity supplier if you have a low income or receive specific means-tested benefits.
The 2023 scheme has now ended, and the 2024 scheme will begin in November 2023. If eligible, you will receive a letter automatically. If you think you quality but don’t receive a letter, you can check eligibility online or telephone Warm Homes Discount Scheme on 0345 603 9439.
Cold Weather Payment
If your area’s average temperature is recorded or forecasted to be zero degrees Celsius or below for seven days in a row, you may be able to get a Cold Weather Payment of £25. Eligible recipients include those on:
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Universal Credit
Click here to check your eligibility and apply. The £25 payment covers each seven-day period of extremely cold weather between 1st November and 31st March and does not affect your other benefits.
Winter Fuel Payment
If you were both before 26th September 1956, you could receive a tax-free Winter Fuel Payment of £250-£600 to help cover your heating bills. The payment includes a ‘Pensioner Cost of Living Payment’, ranging from £150 to £300, available for winters 2022-2023 and 2023-2024
If you’re eligible and already receive a state pension or another benefit, the payment is automatic. If you’re eligible but don’t get paid automatically, you’ll need to make a claim. The amount depends on your circumstances during a specific qualifying week Any money you get is tax-free and does not affect your benefits.
Christmas Bonus
The Christmas Bonus is a one-time, tax-free £10 payment made before Christmas. It’s paid to people who get certain benefits in the qualifying week, which is usually the first full week of December. You don’t need to claim – you should get it paid automatically.