Energy Schemes - Extra help for 2026/27

If you're worried about paying your energy bills or staying warm this winter, there is help available. It's important you check what you can get. This page highlights some of the main payments and support that are available.

Get energy, bills and benefits advice in the Midlands and North

Winter Fuel Payment (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)

The eligibility rules changed last winter, and more people were entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment. You no longer need to be getting a means-tested benefit to get a Winter Fuel Payment.

If you're over State Pension age, you'll receive the payment automatically in November or December. However, if your annual income is over £35,000, you'll have to repay it through HMRC.

Read our Winter Fuel Payment guide for more information on eligibility and payment rates.

Pension Age Winter Heating Payment (Scotland)

Last winter was the first year of the new Pension Age Winter Heating Payment. It works in a similar way to the Winter Fuel Payment in the rest of the UK, but the amount you get will be slightly higher.

Read our Pension Age Winter Heating Payment guide for more information on eligibility and payment rates.

Crisis and Resilience Fund

Earlier this year, the Crisis and Resilience Fund replaced the Household Support Fund in England and Wales.

If you're struggling to pay for energy or water bills, food, or other essentials, you might be able to get help from your local council through a Crisis Payment. The type of support you can get depends on where you live. It could be vouchers, a one-off payment, or help with specific bills.

To find out what's available in your area, contact your local council or authority or read our Crisis and Resilience Fund guide for more information.

Other winter payments:

Warm Home Discount Scheme - If you live in England, Scotland or Wales, you'll get £150 off your energy bill.

Cold Weather Payment - If you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland and receive certain benefits, you’ll get a £25 payment if the temperature in your area is 0°C or below for seven days in a row.

Winter Heating Payment - If you live in Scotland and get a qualifying benefit, you’ll receive a one-off payment of £62.00 between December and February.

Child Winter Heating Payment - If you live in Scotland and have a child or young person with a disability, you'll receive a one-off payment of £265.50.

Home heating oil support – If you live in Northern Ireland, use home heating oil as your main heating source and get certain benefits, you could be eligible for a £100 voucher