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Trusted by over 500,000 customers for 20+ years
Written by
Jenna Culy
on 27 Jan 2026
and updated on
28 Oct 2026
Categorised in
Tips and Advice
The Autumn Budget, announced on the 28th of October 2026, includes several measures aimed at helping UK households manage their energy costs.
Key announcement: HOUSEHOLD ENERGY PAYMENT
The biggest announcement for households is the £100 winter support payment for approximately 20 million households in Council Tax bands A–D, which will also benefit eligible heating oil customers. However, it's not yet clear when households will receive the payment.
For eligible heating oil households in council tax bands A-D, the £100 payment could provide some welcome financial support.
However, households outside these bands will not qualify, so it's important for all heating oil households to continue planning heating oil orders as normal, particularly as demand increases during the colder months.
Alongside these announcements, there are several existing Government support schemes available to help eligible households with their energy bills. Below, we've outlined the financial support you could be entitled to and how to access it.
Energy costs can be managed in a variety of ways. While approaches to funding and support may change over time, help continues to be available for people on lower incomes, alongside other options that may also help reduce or manage bills. Below are some options to consider:
This scheme offers a tax-free payment, usually between £100 and £300, to help older households with winter heating costs. Payments are normally made automatically in November or December. If your income is above a certain level, the payment may be reclaimed through tax.
Eligibility depends on your date of birth (on or before 21 September 1959 for winter 2025/26), income, and personal circumstances.
This is an automatic payment for people on certain benefits when temperatures in their area drop to 0°C or below for seven consecutive days between 1 November 2025 and 31 March 2026. It helps cover extra heating costs and is paid directly into your bank account.
You don’t need to apply if you receive qualifying benefits such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit, and it is separate from the Winter Fuel Payment.
This is a one-off £150 payment to help low-income and vulnerable households with energy costs. It is usually applied directly to your electricity bill (and sometimes gas) between October 2025 and March 2026. Eligibility has been widened to include more people receiving means-tested benefits.
In some cases, such as for park home residents or households in Scotland, you may need to apply through your energy supplier or a dedicated helpline by February 2026.
The Household Support Fund is a government-funded grant designed to help low-income and vulnerable households with rising living costs. Eligible households can apply for one payment between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026.
Local councils distribute the funding to support households facing immediate financial hardship, usually through vouchers or cash payments to help cover essentials such as energy bills and food.
There is an increased amount of text messages being sent from scammers to households regarding ‘The Energy Support Scheme’. They aim to gain your bank details and any other confidential information.
Please do not click the link in these messages for your safety. The government will not ask for this level of information via text. Any government energy support funds will be applied automatically.
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