Winter 2025: What Help Can You Get with Energy Bills in the UK?

As winter approaches and heating costs rise, many households are looking for reliable ways to ease the burden of energy bills. If you’re a tenant, landlord, or simply someone looking to keep warm without breaking bank, here’s a guide to the key government support schemes available in the UK for Winter 2025-26 — plus what you can do to qualify, what to check, and how to act.

1. The Warm Home Discount Scheme (£150 off your electricity bills)

• This is a one-off discount of £150 applied to your electricity bill (or in some cases your dual fuel provider) for winter 2025/26. GOV.UK+2GOV.UK+2

• The scheme is re-opening at the end of October 2025. GOV.UK+1

• Who is eligible?

  • In England & Wales: Households receiving certain means-tested benefits (e.g., Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit) qualify. GOV.UK

  • For winter 2025/26 the criteria have expanded — meaning more households will qualify (an extra 2.7 million households) including many with children. GOV.UK+1

• Key things to check:

  • Your name (or your partner’s) must be on the electricity bill for the relevant period. Citizens Advice+1

  • If you use a pre-payment meter you can still qualify — you just need to ensure the account is registered in your name. GOV.UK

  • Even if you already got the discount in previous years, check your situation this year (especially if you’ve moved or changed supplier) so you don’t miss out. GOV.UK

• What to do:

  • Check your energy supplier’s eligibility list for the scheme.

  • Ensure your name is on your bill now (if you’re a tenant check with your landlord or supplier).

  • Wait for the supplier to apply the credit automatically (usually between November 2025 and end of March 2026) if eligible.

2. The Winter Fuel Payment (£100-£300 for pension-age households)

• This payment is aimed at households where someone reached State Pension age by a certain qualifying week (for winter 2025/26 the week is 15 to 21 September 2025). CAP UK+1

• Amounts vary between about £100 to £300 (depending on individual circumstances) to help pay heating bills in winter. GOV.UK+1

• Who is eligible?

  • Live in England or Wales. GOV.UK

  • Must have reached State Pension Age by end of qualifying week. Octopus Energy+1

  • If your income is above a certain threshold (£35,000) HMRC may reclaim the payment. GOV.UK

• What to do:

  • Usually paid automatically. If you believe you qualify and don’t receive it, contact HMRC.

  • Check for eligibility early (letters are usually sent in November/December).

3. The Cold Weather Payment (Extra help when temperatures drop)

• If you receive certain income-related benefits, you may be eligible for a payment when the average temperature in your area stays at or below 0 °C for 7 consecutive days between 1 Nov-31 Mar. Citizens Advice+1

• What to check:

  • Are you on an eligible benefit (e.g., Universal Credit with a child under 5, or ESA/UC related)? Citizens Advice

  • Are you living in an area that triggers the payment (averaged weather data)?

• What to do:

  • Usually it’s automatic but if you believe you should receive it and don’t, contact your benefits provider or local authority.

4. Grants, vouchers & local help from councils and charities

• Beyond the big national schemes, you should check what your local council offers in terms of energy efficiency grants, fuel vouchers, extra support funds. Citizens Advice+1

• For example, if you rely on heating sources like oil or LPG (i.e., you’re off the gas grid), there may be local help available. Citizens Advice

• Tip: Ask your landlord (if you rent) about any energy-efficiency upgrades (insulation, boiler servicing) — these may reduce your long-term bills.

5. Practical steps for renters & landlords to maximise benefit

For tenants:

• Make sure your name is on the electricity bill where required (e.g., for the Warm Home Discount) — if you’re sharing, check who is the named account holder.

• Check your meter type: pre-payment meters can still qualify for schemes, but the process may differ. (See guidance for pre-payment under Warm Home Discount.) GOV.UK

• Look at your home’s efficiency: Are windows draughty? Is the heating system working well? Small fixes (draught proofing, heavy curtains) can help reduce usage.

• Keep an eye on your usage and budget for peak winter heating.

For landlords/property owners:

• Ensure your property is efficient: good insulation, well-maintained heating system, no major draughts. This helps tenants and reduces arrears.

• If you provide inclusive bills (i.e., heating included), consider how usage may increase in winter and build contingency.

• Make sure tenants know about the support schemes (Warm Home Discount, etc) and encourage them to check eligibility.

7. What to do right now

• Check your benefits status and whether you might qualify for the Warm Home Discount or Winter Fuel Payment.

• If you’re renting: ask your landlord or supplier to add your name to the electricity bill if you’re not currently the named account holder.

• Pay attention to your energy supplier’s communications: you should receive a letter if you qualify for the Warm Home Discount. MaPS

• Make small efficiency upgrades where possible (draught proofing, thermostat checks) to reduce winter heating cost.

• If you own property: review insulation and heating system now, so your property is ready for the colder months — this benefits both you and your tenants.

8. Why this matters

Winter months bring increased heating needs, and high energy usage can significantly impact household budgets. Support schemes like the Warm Home Discount and Winter Fuel Payment are designed to ease the cost, especially for low-income and pension-age households. Ensuring you’re aware, eligible and properly registered can make a meaningful difference.

By taking the right steps ahead of winter — checking eligibility, updating your billing details, ensuring your property is efficient — you’ll position yourself to benefit from the available support, reduce heating costs, and stay warmer when temperatures drop. If you’re a tenant or landlord, this is a timely moment to act.