The colder months are coming which means many households will be considering putting on their heating, however, the recent rise in energy bills means that a lot of people may be reluctant to do so and cutting back on usage to save money. But many may not be aware that there are five one-off payments due between now and March specifically aimed at helping with the additional costs of winter - outwith the UK Government’s £400 energy rebate.
The payments are for those on a low-income or certain benefits and worth more than £1,000. All but one of the lump sums will go directly to the claimant - the £150 Warm Home Discount goes to your energy supplier and is deducted from your electricity bill. There are also two devolved payments, only available to people living in Scotland.
The list below explains what these five payments are, who qualifies for them and when to expect them. There’s also a reminder about the £2,500 Energy Price Guarantee and the £400 energy rebate to help you plan your budget this winter.