Help With Energy Bills UK: 2026/27 Support Guide

What help exists

Support comes from three places: your energy supplier, the government, and your local council. Here are the main routes, what each one is for, and roughly who it is aimed at.

Warm Home Discount

A one-off discount on your electricity bill for certain low income households. Some suppliers also apply it to gas. It is aimed at pensioners on the guaranteed element of Pension Credit and at other households on means-tested benefits. The exact rules and the size of the discount change, so check the current guidance on GOV.UK before you apply.

Winter Fuel Payment

A payment to help older people with heating costs over winter. It is generally aimed at people over a certain age who receive a qualifying benefit. Eligibility has been narrowed in recent years, and the age and benefit tests can change. Check the current rules on GOV.UK rather than relying on last year.

Cold Weather Payment

A payment made during spells of very cold weather, triggered automatically when the local temperature stays at or below a set level for a set number of days. It is aimed at people on certain benefits, and is usually paid without you needing to apply. Check GOV.UK for the current trigger and qualifying benefits.

Household Support Fund and council help

The Household Support Fund gives councils money to help residents with essential costs, including energy. What you can get and how you apply varies by council, so the local website is the best place to start. Many councils also run their own emergency support schemes.

Energy efficiency grants

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) and the Great British Insulation Scheme fund home improvements such as insulation and heating upgrades, usually for lower income households or homes with poor energy ratings. These are long-term fixes that lower bills for years. Check GOV.UK and Ofgem for the current eligibility rules and how to apply.

Supplier hardship funds and payment plans

Most large suppliers have hardship funds or grants, and they must work with you on an affordable repayment plan if you fall behind. These are not always advertised, so ask directly. The Ofgem help with your energy bills page lists the routes suppliers should offer.

Who it is aimed at

Most of this support is targeted rather than universal. It is generally aimed at people who receive certain benefits, older people, disabled people, and households on a low income. Some schemes also look at whether your home is poorly insulated or whether you have children.

A few things are wider than people expect. Everyone can ask for an affordable payment plan, and everyone can ask to join the Priority Services Register. Those two routes do not depend on benefits.

Because the tests differ for each scheme, you may qualify for one and not another. Check each one using the current rules on GOV.UK or via Ofgem. If you are unsure, a free advice service can check them with you.

How to claim: supplier first, then government, then council

Work through the three sets of options in order. Each one takes pressure off the next.

1. Your supplier

Call or message your supplier and say you are struggling. Ask about an affordable payment plan, a review of your direct debit, a hardship fund, and the Priority Services Register. Getting on the register is free and can lead to extra support during a power cut.

2. The government

Check the Warm Home Discount, Winter Fuel Payment, Cold Weather Payment and energy efficiency grants on GOV.UK. Some are automatic, others need an application. Keep an eye on deadlines, as several schemes have windows that close.

3. Your council

Search your council website for the Household Support Fund and any local welfare assistance. Council schemes often move faster and can help if you narrowly miss a national scheme. You can also ask about Council Tax Support while you are there.

If you cannot pay your bill

Falling behind on energy feels frightening, but doing nothing is the costly option. Suppliers have to treat you fairly, and there are rules that protect you from being cut off in certain situations.

• Contact them early. Say clearly that you cannot afford the current amount and ask for a payment plan based on what you can realistically pay.
• Ask about the Priority Services Register. It is free and open to people with extra needs, including pensioners and those with a medical condition.
• Check for grants before borrowing. A hardship fund or the Household Support Fund is better than expensive credit.
• Keep records. Note the dates you called, who you spoke to and what was agreed. It helps if a problem repeats.

Help to make your home cheaper to run

Grants can change the building. You can also change how you use it. The two work well together, because a cheaper home to heat means the support you get stretches further.

• Insulation and heating upgrades. ECO and the Great British Insulation Scheme can fund loft or cavity wall insulation and other improvements. Check GOV.UK and Ofgem for the current rules.
• Free or low cost advice. Many councils and energy charities offer a home energy check. They can spot draughts, poor heating controls and older appliances.
• Small habits. Lowering the boiler flow temperature, draught-proofing and shorter showers cut gas use quickly. Our cut your energy bills guide covers the changes that make a real difference.

Use the energy cost calculator to price up individual appliances, and the energy price cap calculator to see what the latest cap means for your usage.

Where to get free debt advice

If energy debt sits alongside other debts, free and impartial advice can help you see the whole picture. These services will not charge you and will not judge you.

• StepChange offers free debt advice and managed plans.
• Citizens Advice can check your benefits and deal with creditors.
• National Debtline gives free advice over the phone and online.
• Money Advice Service (now part of the Money and Pensions Service) offers free guidance.

Building a small buffer also makes these situations calmer. Our emergency fund guide shows how to start with a low target. For the wider picture on bills and prices, see the January 2027 price cap forecast.

Key dates

• 1 October 2026: the price cap rises to £1,723 a year for a typical Direct Debit household.
• 25 November 2026: Ofgem announces the confirmed January to March 2027 cap. Suppliers currently predict a rise to about £2,152.
• 1 January 2027: the new cap takes effect for standard variable tariffs.

Scheme deadlines and qualifying periods differ, so check each one on GOV.UK as the date approaches. The energy bills hub tracks the latest cap news and support updates.