Households struggling with rising energy costs are being urged to check what support they could get this winter, with help available ranging from free heated throws and energy-saving products to £150 electricity bill discounts and a new £100 payment.
With Christmas approaching and temperatures dropping, many families will be looking for ways to keep their homes warm without sending their energy bills soaring.
Several schemes are available to help eligible households manage the cost of heating their homes, with some support available through energy suppliers and other payments provided by the Government.
Oliver Nicholas, director at The LED Specialist , said: "Christmas is coming around fast and many households will be looking for ways to keep their spending under control without compromising on staying warm.
"Making small changes to how energy is used around the home can help keep costs down during the colder months, and making the most of the potential help available is always a good avenue to explore."
Here is a look at the support worth checking this winter.
Free heated throws from energy suppliers
Some energy suppliers are offering free heated throws to customers who may be struggling with their energy bills.
Octopus Energy, for example, provides heated throws through its Octo Assist scheme, which prioritises customers in vulnerable circumstances.
Availability is limited, and customers may need to complete an assessment to establish whether they qualify. Support is not guaranteed, so households should contact their supplier to find out what help is available.
OVO offers free energy-saving products
OVO has also opened applications for heated throws through its Extra Support Package, with customers who need additional help able to apply for a wider range of free energy-saving products.
Applications opened on November 2, with items including rechargeable hot-water bottles, heat pads, thermos flasks, LED bulbs and smart plugs available through the scheme.
The products are designed to help households manage their energy use and stay warm without relying as heavily on central heating.
Eligibility depends on individual circumstances, and customers can apply through OVO's Extra Support Package.
£150 Warm Home Discount
Eligible households in England and Wales can receive a £150 discount on their electricity bill through the Warm Home Discount scheme for winter 2026/27.
To qualify, someone in the household must have been receiving a qualifying benefit on August 23, 2026. These include Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance or Pension Credit.
The eligible person, or their partner, must also be named on the electricity bill, and the household must be supplied by an energy company participating in the scheme.
Most eligible households will receive the discount automatically. Letters are expected between late October 2026 and early January 2027, with suppliers applying the discount by March 31, 2027.
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New £100 Household Energy Payment
Chancellor John Healey confirmed a £100 Household Energy Payment in the October Budget, with payments expected from January 2027.
The payment is intended for people living in their main home who are liable for council tax and whose property falls within bands A to D.
It will not be available to people living in second homes or empty properties, or to those who are not responsible for paying council tax.
Most households paying council tax by direct debit should receive the money automatically, while others will be invited to apply through their local council.
The payment is separate from the Warm Home Discount, meaning households eligible for both could receive £250 in support.
Cold Weather Payments and Winter Fuel Payment
Cold Weather Payments provide £25 to eligible households in England, Wales and Northern Ireland when the average temperature in their area is recorded or forecast to be zero degrees Celsius or below for seven consecutive days.
People receiving certain benefits or Support for Mortgage Interest may qualify. Payments are made automatically during the scheme period, which runs from November 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027.
There is no limit on the number of qualifying cold spells, so eligible households could receive more than one payment. Scotland has a separate Winter Heating Payment scheme.
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Older households may also qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment. People born on or before June 27, 1960, could receive between £100 and £300, depending on their age and circumstances.
Most payments are made automatically in November or December. However, people with an individual income above £35,000 will usually have the payment recovered by HMRC.
Oliver added: "Households should definitely explore this support through their energy supplier or the Government. Even where a payment is not due until the new year, checking eligibility now could help people plan ahead and make the most of the assistance available at an expensive time of year."
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