Your energy bill is going up in October — here is extra help you can get on benefits

Energy bills are going up in October. From 1 October 2026, the Ofgem energy price cap rises by 4%. A typical household will pay around £1,723 a year — up from £1,663. That is roughly £5 more each month.

The rise is driven mainly by higher gas prices, which are going up by around 8%. If your home does not use gas, your bills will rise by much less.

Citizens Advice has warned that energy costs now take up a bigger share of benefits income than they have for a generation. If you claim Universal Credit (UC), Housing Benefit or Pension Credit, here is the automatic support that could help cut your bills this winter.

You may already be due £150 off your electricity bill

The Warm Home Discount gives £150 off your electricity bill. If you were on a qualifying benefit on 23 August 2026, your electricity supplier should apply the discount to your account automatically. You do not need to apply. Payment should arrive by 31 March 2027.

Qualifying benefits include Pension Credit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), and Universal Credit with certain elements. The full list of qualifying benefits for 2026 to 2027 is on the GOV.UK Warm Home Discount page.

Not every energy supplier takes part in the scheme. You can check whether yours does on GOV.UK. If your supplier is not on the list, you may want to switch to one that is before next year's qualifying date.

If you pay your energy through your landlord or a card meter, Citizens Advice can explain how the discount works in your situation.

Cold Weather Payments start in November

From 1 November 2026, if the average temperature in your area stays at or below zero degrees Celsius for seven days in a row, you get £25 automatically. You do not need to apply. The money should arrive within 14 days of each cold spell.

You normally qualify if you get UC with a health or disability element, a disabled child amount, or if you receive Pension Credit.

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Already struggling with your energy bills?

If you owe money to your energy supplier, contact them as soon as possible. Suppliers must offer you an affordable repayment plan. Do not wait until October.

If UC is already being used to pay energy debts, DWP can set up something called Fuel Direct. A fixed amount is taken from your UC payment each month and sent straight to your supplier to help clear the debt gradually.

Take a meter reading before 1 October

Take a meter reading before 1 October 2026. Your supplier should use it to make sure any bill covering days before that date is charged at the lower rate. This is especially useful if you pay quarterly.

If you are not sure what support you qualify for, the Citizens Advice guide to energy grants and benefits lists every scheme you can check. You can also call Citizens Advice free on 0800 144 8848.