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Staying warm this winter

As the temperatures start to drop, many households are facing the challenge of keeping warm while managing rising energy costs. Here is some of the support that’s available.

Warm Home Discount Scheme

This is a Government-backed initiative offering a £150 discount off your electricity bill for eligible households.

This year eligibility has been extended to include millions more low-income households. The £150 is typically deducted from your electricity bill by your supplier between October and March, rather than being paid to individuals.

If you live in Wales, you should automatically get the Warm Home Discount for 2025/26 as long as your name was on your electricity bill by 24 August 2025.

You should qualify if you either:

  • get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit
  • are on a low income

If you use a pre-pay or pay-as-you-go electricity meter, you can still qualify but you’ll need to check with your electricity supplier.

For a full list of qualifying benefits check the DWP website gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme/

Cold Weather Payment

These are different to the Winter Fuel Payment and can be paid automatically if temperatures drop to 0°C or below for seven days. Eligible households can receive £25 for each 7-day cold spell between November 1 2025 and March 31 2026.

To check your eligibility, visit www.gov.uk/cold-weather-payment/eligibility

How to Get Help

If you’re struggling to pay your energy bills, contact our Tenancy Support Officers (TSOs) who can help you to check what you’re entitled to. They can also advise you on any other support that’s available. Contact your Tenancy Support Officer or our Housing Support Team on 0800 052 2526.

  1. Winter Fuel Payment

    This year the Government has reinstated the Winter Fuel Payment for all pensioners in the UK. It will be paid automatically to everyone born before September 22 1959.

    The payment covers the additional cost of winter heating and is either £200 per household, or £300 if there is someone over 80 in the household.

    The payment is based on when you were born and your circumstances between 15 and 21 September 2025, which the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) classes as the ‘qualifying week’.

    You should have received a letter in October or November telling you how much Winter Fuel Payment you’ll get.

    If you didn’t get a letter but think you’re eligible, visit the DWP website and check if you need to make a claim www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/how-to-claim.

 

Age Cymru Free Home Energy Checks

If you’re over 65 and live in Bridgend or Powys, you may be able to get a free home energy check. Their Energy Officers can visit your home to suggest tips and advice about saving money and energy, and help to change supplier if required. They can also offer free energy saving equipment and installation.

Contact Age Cymru Powys on 01686 623707 or, for Bridgend area, contact Age Cymru West Glamorgan on 01792 648 866 or visit www.ageuk.org.uk.

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