Winter help with bills: Warm Home Discount, Winter Fuel Payment and Cold Weather Payments
Ofgem's energy price cap has been £1,723 a year since 1 October. Here is a reminder of the winter support available: Warm Home Discount, Winter Fuel Payment and Cold Weather Payments.
Author: Editorial teamPublished: 2 min read
Contents
It is getting colder and energy bills are rising. According to Polish Express, September's inflation rate was the highest in almost a year, and the main driver of rising costs is fuel prices, which are affected by the conflict in the Middle East.
Higher energy price cap
Since 1 October 2026, the energy price cap set by the regulator Ofgem has been £1,723 a year, which is £60 more than before. Experts cited by the source expect the next rise in January could be even bigger.
The source also says the government has announced help with paying energy bills and lower bus fares. The Chancellor may set out further steps to ease the impact of rising prices in the Budget on 28 October.
Warm Home Discount
Under this scheme, around six million households will automatically receive a £150 reduction on their electricity bill this winter.
In England and Wales, you must receive certain income-related benefits, such as Housing Benefit, Pension Credit or Universal Credit.
Winter Fuel Payment
Under the new rules, pensioners with taxable income below £35,000 receive between £100 and £300 towards heating costs. The payment is made automatically in November and December.
Cold Weather Payments
Low-income households receive £25 for each consecutive seven-day period of freezing weather (0°C or below) in their area between November and March. Last winter the payment reached almost 1.5 million households. According to the official GOV.UK website, eligible people receive these payments automatically and do not need to apply.
What this means for you
The payments depend on the benefits you receive or on your age and income, not on nationality. If you receive Universal Credit, Pension Credit or Housing Benefit in England or Wales, you may qualify for the Warm Home Discount. Winter Fuel Payment is for pensioners, and Cold Weather Payments are for low-income households. It is worth checking the detailed conditions on GOV.UK or with your energy supplier.
Sources
This article was prepared automatically by AI from the listed sources and published without prior editorial review. Spotted a mistake? Use the “Report an error in this article” button.
Photos
- Cover: „energy crisis, thermostat, heating, cooler, temperature”, author: geralt, licence Pixabay Content License; cropped or resized.
- Photo 1: „snow, trees, street sign, snowfall, snowing”, author: zanna-76, licence Pixabay Content License; cropped or resized.
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