Help with energy bills: available grants and schemes 2026

Help for households facing high energy prices

Rising energy prices have hit British households hard. To tackle this, the regulator Ofgem imposes an energy price cap on suppliers.

Based on the current price cap, which applies from 1 July to 30 September 2026, a typical household will pay:

• £1,862 if paying by direct debit

• £1,812 if using a prepayment meter

• £2,005 if paying on receipt of their bill.

The price cap isn't a limit on how high your bills can go, but instead on how much energy companies can charge per unit of energy plus standing charges. Ultimately, how much you'll pay will depend on the amount of energy you use.

There are various initiatives offering help to some of the country's most vulnerable people.

The price cap has increased

Between 1 July and 30 September 2026, the average home paying for energy by direct debit will pay around £18 a month more – a 13% increase from the previous cap.

This shouldn't affect you if you're on a fixed tariff. But if you're on a variable deal, you could end up paying significantly more.

This is a good time to compare new energy deals. Some providers charge less than the price cap, so it's worth shopping around.

What is fuel poverty?

Households that are unable to afford to keep their home at a reasonable temperature may be considered to be in fuel poverty.

Around 2.36 million households in England were in fuel poverty in 2025, according to the most recent government figures. This is an estimated 9.4% of households.

According to Ofgem, many of these households are considered vulnerable. This includes people who are elderly, disabled or chronically sick, plus low-income families who rely on benefits.

Grants and schemes to help those in fuel poverty

The following grants and schemes are available to help with energy bills for those receiving certain benefits or in fuel poverty:

The Household Support Fund

In England, the Household Support Fund (HSF) helps vulnerable families with expenses such as food, clothing and utility bills.

It is distributed by local councils, and you don’t have to be receiving benefits to get help. Eligibility varies, as each council sets its own rules.

The government has extended the current scheme until at least 31 March 2026. Contact your local council to see what help might be available.

If you're over 60, check to see if you're eligible for cost of living support.

In Scotland, you may be able to apply for a Crisis Grant through your local council if you’re on a low income. You may be eligible if you’re on benefits, such as Income Support, Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, or if your income is about the same as someone who is.

In Wales, if you’re facing financial hardship, you may be able to get an Emergency Assistance Payment (EAP) from the Discretionary Assistance Fund. This can help cover essential costs, such as food, gas and electricity.

Winter Fuel Payment

Historically, all pensioners in England and Wales received the Winter Fuel Payment, but this is no longer the case.

For winter 2025/26, anyone born between 22 September 1959 with an annual income of £35,000 or less will receive a payment of £200, or £300 if somebody in the household is aged 80 or above. Some households are eligible for a lower payment of £100. See the government's guide to the Winter Fuel Payment for full details.

If your income is over £35,000, your Winter Fuel Payment will be taken back by the government, either via your tax code for the 2026/27 tax year, or through your tax return (if you submit one).

If you live in Scotland, the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment is available to people born on or before 21 September 1959 who earn £35,000 or less. The amount you can get ranges from £101.70 to £305.10, and varies depending on your age and other benefits you receive. See the Scottish government's guide to Pension Age Heating Payments.

Pension Credit

If you’re a pensioner on a low weekly income – below £227.10 for a single person or £346.60 for a couple – it’s worth seeing if you’re entitled to Pension Credit. As well as entitlement to the Winter Fuel Payment it unlocks access to a range of other benefits.

See if you’re likely to be eligible with the Pension Credit Calculator.

Cold Weather Payments

Cold Weather Payments are to help cover heating costs during a cold snap. Those who are eligible will get £25 for each consecutive seven-day period between November and March that the temperature drops below zero degrees.

You are eligible for the payments if you get certain benefits such as Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Support for Mortgage Interest and Income Support.

Warm Home Discount Scheme

The Warm Home Discount is a one-off £150 discount from your supplier on your winter electricity bill between October and March. You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity.

If you’re getting the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, you should automatically qualify. If you’re on a low income and meet your energy supplier’s criteria for the scheme, you may also be eligible. Contact your supplier to find out.

The discount is available in England, Wales and Scotland, though eligibility varies.

Warm Homes Local Grant

Under the Warm Homes: Local Grant scheme, local authorities provide grants for energy performance upgrades and low-carbon heating.

The scheme is aimed at low-income households in the worst-quality, privately owned homes in England. It opened in April 2025.

ECO Scheme

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is a government-backed scheme run by energy suppliers, with the aim of tackling fuel poverty and helping the most vulnerable.

The latest ECO scheme, ECO4, began on 27 July 2022 and runs for four years until 31 March 2026.

One part of the scheme is the Affordable Warmth Scheme. Eligible consumers on certain benefits can receive free installations, or subsidised costs, for:

• Replacing or repairing their boiler

• Cavity-wall and loft insulation

• Draught-proofing

• Other upgrades to their heating.

Changes to the ECO scheme in the 2025 Budget

In November 2025, the government announced that it will no longer fund the ECO after March 2026. It says it will instead invest £1.5 billion to support households facing fuel poverty.

The government says the end of the ECO and changes to how the Renewables Obligation is funded will help reduce annual household bills by around £150 from April 2026.

What can I do if I’m struggling to pay my energy bills?

In the first instance, call your energy supplier and let it know you’re struggling.

Suppliers are duty-bound to treat you fairly and offer an affordable payment plan that will enable you to pay off your fuel debts in instalments. Many also run schemes that offer charitable grants that can help with debt.

• If you’re not sure what to say to your energy provider, download MoneyHelper’s 'talking to your creditor' guide.

• You can contact Citizens Advice for information on grants and support.

• You can get advice from debt charities such as StepChange and National Debtline about dealing with your bills.

• You can find free and confidential debt advice online, over the phone or where you live using the MoneyHelper Debt adviser locator tool. 

It’s also worth checking to see if you are entitled to cost of living support in:

• England

• Scotland

• Wales

• Northern Ireland.

See more on what to do if you can’t afford your energy bills.