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How do the Warm Home Discount, Winter Fuel Payment and Cold Weather Payment schemes work?
You could be eligible for help with your energy bills through the Warm Home Discount, Winter Fuel Payment and Cold Weather Payment schemes.
🕑6 minutes read
With increasing energy bills, you might be worried about keeping up with your payments, especially in winter. We know that it can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. There are a number of government and supplier schemes that could be available to help you cover the cost if you’re a pensioner or in a low-income household.
These schemes could change, so keep checking back, or visit the listed websites for the latest information.
Help to pay energy debts
If you’ve fallen behind on your energy bills, you might be eligible for a grant to help pay them back.
Some suppliers are currently offering financial support, which could be in the form of grants, or repayment plans to spread the cost.
It’s a good idea to contact your supplier directly to see what extra support they may be able to give you.
You'll need to provide details about your financial situation to apply for a grant. Eligibility may vary between suppliers.
Winter Fuel Payments
What is the Winter Fuel Payment?
The government’s Winter Fuel Payments could give you a grant to put towards heating your home each winter.
Am I eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment?
To ensure you get the latest information, go to www.gov.uk to find out more and check your Winter Fuel Payment eligibility.
How to apply for the Winter Fuel Payment
If you’re eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment there shouldn’t be a need to claim, but there are exceptions. For the latest information and how to apply, see www.gov.uk.
Warm Home Discount
What is the Warm Home Discount?
The Warm Home Discount Scheme gives you a discount off your winter electricity bill, paid each year.
You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill (instead of your electricity bill) if your supplier provides both your gas and electricity. Contact your supplier to find out if this is the case. You can find a full list of suppliers that are part of the scheme, and check your eligibility, on www.gov.uk.
How to apply for the Warm Home Discount
Visit www.gov.uk to apply.
Each electricity supplier decides who will receive the discount and supplies are limited, so check as early as possible.
The Warm Home Discount Scheme does not affect either the Cold Weather Payment or the Winter Fuel Payment.
Cold Weather Payment
What is the Cold Weather Payment?
If the average temperature where you live is forecast to be, or falls below, zero degrees celsius for seven days in a row, you’ll receive a Cold Weather Payment. It’s a local grant for each seven-day period of freezing weather.
How to apply for a Cold Weather Payment
You don’t need to apply for a Cold Weather Payment – it’s paid automatically. This scheme opens every year. Visit www.gov.uk to check your eligibility and apply.
Updated October 2024.