DWP paid £5 billion in support for energy bills this Winter

An estimated £5 billion in support has been paid throughout Winter to help families with energy costs. This amount is the total that was paid out to millions of households across different payments or schemes.

For example, over £4 billion was paid to pensioners between November and March through the winter fuel payment and pensioner cost of living payment. In England and Wales, over 1.1 million households got the £25 cold weather payments, while an estimated £550 million was spent as part of the warm home discount scheme, which supported 3 million households at risk of fuel poverty.

The DWP says that the support was needed to protect ‘everyday Brits from the inflationary impact of Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine – helping millions of people get through the winter.’

Am I eligible for government support?

•  Cold weather payments are an automatic bank top-up of £25, paid to eligible households when the average temperature has been recorded as, or is forecast to be, zero degrees celsius or below for seven consecutive days at the weather station linked to an eligible person’s postcode between November and March. Check if you're eligible.

• Winter fuel payments are paid to those born before 25 September 1957 and they're £250 and £600 to help with heating bills. Claim here. 
• The warm home discount scheme is a £150 discount off your electricity bill, paid directly from your supplier, and if you're eligible, you don't need to apply. The scheme reopens in October.

 Need support with your energy bills?

If you’ve fallen behind with your energy bills, the first thing you should do is get in touch with your supplier. Some offer grants to help customers who are really struggling or you may be able to agree a payment plan for the amount you owe.

If you're vulnerable, it’s also worth finding out if you can sign up to the priority services register. This is a free scheme that provides access to extra help from your energy supplier. Find out more about the priority services register. 

Read our guide on what to do about energy arrears.