Energy bill support: how the government is helping
18 December 2023
Last updated 18 December
The Cost of Living Payment
What is it?
A £900 payment to households on means-tested benefits.
How do you get it?
If you’re on any of the following means-tested benefits, you should be eligible:
- Universal Credit
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Pension Credit
You should receive the payment in three lump sums, directly into your bank account in spring 2023, autumn 2023 and spring 2024. There’s no need to apply for the cost of living payment – you should receive it automatically. The first payment was made in April and May of this year, and the next one is due in Spring 2024. Learn more about cost of living payments.
Winter Fuel Payment
What is it?
A one-off Winter Fuel Payment of £150-£300
How do you get it?
If you were born before 25 September 1957, you can get a Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2023-2024. If you’re entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment, you’ll get an extra £150 or £300 on top of your normal payment from November 2023. The amount you receive (including the Pensioner Cost of Living Payment) depends on when you were born, and your circumstances during the qualifying dates. Learn more about the Pensioner Cost of Living update.
Disability Cost of Living Payment
What is it?
A one-off payment of £150
How do you get it?
You should be eligible for this payment if you receive any of the following:
- Attendance Allowance
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance for adults
- Disability Living Allowance for children
- Personal Independence Payment
- Adult Disability Payment (in Scotland)
- Child Disability Payment (in Scotland)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- War Pension Mobility Supplement
If you’re eligible, you should have received a one-off payment of £150 between 20 June 2023 and 4 July 2023.
The Warm Home Discount scheme
What is it?
A £150 discount on your electricity bill
How do you get it?
You’re eligible for the discount if any of the following applies on 13 August 2023:
- your energy supplier is part of the scheme
- your name (or your partner’s) is on the electricity bill
- you or your partner are getting the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit (even if you get Savings Credit as well)
Instead of receiving a direct payment, a discount is applied to your electricity bill between October 2023 and 31 March 2024. If you’re eligible, you should receive this discount automatically – with a letter to confirm your discount by early January 2024. If you don’t get a letter but think you’re eligible, contact the Warm Home Discount Scheme by 29 February 2024. If you’re on a low income in Scotland, contact your energy supplier to apply.
Is any other government support available?
If you’re a pensioner, or on certain means-tested benefits, visit the Help for Households government web page.
What if I can’t pay my energy bill?
Check out the complete list of support available to our energy and broadband customers. Or read more about how to get in touch so we can find ways to help you.