Warm Home Discount Scheme
The Warm Home Discount is available in England, Wales, and Scotland. You could get £150 off your electricity bill for the winter of 2023-24. Your energy supplier must be part of the scheme, and the payment is sent directly to them.
To be eligible, you must either be receiving the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit or be on a low income and receiving qualifying benefits or tax credits.
Check if your energy supplier is part of the scheme and find more information on eligibility.
The Warm Home Discount is not available in Northern Ireland, but the Affordable Warmth Scheme is available instead.
Winter Fuel Payment
If you were born before 25 September 1957, you could get between £250 and £600 to help pay your heating costs - this is the Winter Fuel Payment. People eligible for this payment usually receive it automatically.
The amount received will now include a 'Pensioner Cost of Living Payment' between £150 and £300 in winter 2023-24.
If you think you are eligible but have not received a payment, you can check if you need to make a claim.
Cold Weather Payment (England, Wales, and Northern Ireland)
You could get Cold Weather Payments if you are receiving certain benefits or Support for Mortgage interests. If eligible, this will be paid automatically. You’ll get a payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees celsius or below over 7 consecutive days. You’ll get £25 for each 7 day period of very cold weather between 1 November 2023 and 31 March 2024.
Find out more about the Cold Weather Payment.
Winter Heating Payment (Scotland)
The Winter Heating Payment is available in Scotland to help people on low income benefits who might have extra heating needs. This replaced the Cold Weather Payment in Scotland and does not depend on how cold the temperature gets.
Check eligibility and find out more about the Winter Heating Payment.
Here for you
If you have further questions about the cost of living, how it is impacting you, and what help is available in your area, the Information, Advocacy and Care team are available on 0800 652 6352 or info@musculardystrophyuk.org to offer information and support. If they can’t help you, they are more than happy to signpost you to local services close to you, or to other people who can help.