Millions of UK households could soon receive a major financial boost in 2025, with the Government planning to offer up to £900 in energy bill support. This move comes as families continue to face high gas and electricity prices despite a slight drop in wholesale energy costs.
Energy bills have been one of the biggest contributors to the ongoing cost of living crisis, pushing many households into debt. This support package aims to help low-income families, pensioners, and vulnerable households keep their homes warm without sacrificing other essentials.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- Why the Government is offering this £900 support
- Who can qualify
- How and when payments will be made
- Additional help you could claim
- Step-by-step claiming process
- Common mistakes to avoid
Why the Government Is Offering £900 Energy Bill Support
Energy prices have surged since 2021 due to multiple factors:
- Rising global gas demand after COVID-19 restrictions eased
- The war in Ukraine disrupting energy supply chains
- High wholesale electricity prices in Europe
- A weaker pound increasing import costs
Even though Ofgem’s price cap is expected to lower slightly in 2025, bills remain nearly double compared to pre-crisis levels. For low-income households and pensioners, heating costs during winter can consume a large share of monthly income.
The £900 support package is part of the UK Government’s plan to reduce fuel poverty, prevent winter-related illnesses, and ensure households can afford energy throughout the year.
Who Is Eligible for the £900 Energy Bill Support in 2025?
While the final eligibility rules are yet to be confirmed, based on previous schemes (2023 and 2024 Cost of Living Payments), it’s likely that you will qualify if:
- You receive means-tested benefits such as:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- You are a pensioner on a fixed income, especially those also receiving Pension Credit.
- You are a disabled individual receiving:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Attendance Allowance
- You are part of a low-income working family under a certain earnings threshold.
Important:
If you don’t receive benefits but still struggle with bills, you may still be able to apply through local council hardship funds or energy company support schemes.
How Will the £900 Be Paid?
It’s expected that the £900 will be split into three instalments, similar to the Cost of Living Payments schedule:
- Spring 2025 – £300
- Summer 2025 – £300
- Autumn/Winter 2025 – £300
Payments will be made directly to your bank account linked to your benefit payments. If you qualify, there’s no need to apply — it should arrive automatically.
If You’re Not on Benefits – How to Claim
For those who don’t receive benefits, there are still ways to get help:
- Contact your local council to check discretionary energy support schemes.
- Apply for the Warm Home Discount (worth £150) if eligible.
- Check your energy supplier’s hardship fund.
- Use the Turn2Us benefits calculator to see if you qualify for extra support.
Steps to Make Sure You Don’t Miss Out
- Check Eligibility Early – Use government benefit calculators.
- Update Bank Details – If you’ve changed accounts, notify DWP or HMRC immediately.
- Register Your Energy Account – Make sure it’s in your name.
- Keep Benefit Claims Active – Renew when required.
- Watch for Scam Alerts – Government will never ask for bank details via text/email.
Extra Help You Might Be Eligible For in 2025
Besides the £900, you might also qualify for:
- Winter Fuel Payment – Up to £300 for pensioners.
- Cold Weather Payment – £25 for each week of sub-zero temperatures.
- Warm Home Discount – £150 off electricity bills.
- Energy Company Obligation (ECO) – Grants for home insulation and heating upgrades.
Common Mistakes That Can Delay or Stop Your Payment
- Not updating bank details after switching accounts
- Forgetting to renew benefit claims
- Moving home without updating address details
- Falling for scams and giving out personal information
Why You Should Act Now
Many households miss out on government support simply because they don’t realise they’re eligible. The earlier you check your entitlement, the sooner you can prepare. Waiting until the last moment could mean delays or even missing the payment entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will this payment affect my other benefits?
A: No, it won’t be counted as income and won’t affect other benefit payments.
Q: Is it taxable?
A: No, it’s a tax-free payment.
Q: Do I have to apply?
A: If you already receive qualifying benefits, it should be automatic.
Q: Can I get the £900 if I’m on a prepayment meter?
A: Yes, but you might receive it via vouchers or account credit.
Conclusion
The £900 Energy Bill Support for 2025 is a welcome relief for millions of households struggling with high heating and electricity costs. Whether you receive benefits or not, there are multiple ways to access financial help — but the key is acting early, checking eligibility, and keeping your information up to date.
If you think you might qualify, take the time to review your situation today and ensure you don’t miss out on this much-needed support.