Supporting you through winter — a reminder of the help available

LEAP is a free energy and money-saving service that helps people keep their homes warn and reduce their energy bills. You’re eligible for support if you claim any benefits or have an annual household income less than £31,000.

They can help you with switching energy providers, accessing grants, maximising income, providing small energy-saving measures, utility bill issues, and debt advice for energy bills.  

You can find out more about what they offer on their website.

Is your fridge or freezer over eight years old, broken, or inefficient? They have a scheme where they can replace it for you, at no cost to you.  

You can apply for support online or our Financial Inclusion team can refer you. Speak to our friendly team for help.

The Warm Home Discount Scheme is a one-off £150 discount off your electricity bill.

If you’re eligible, you should get the discount automatically and your electricity supplier will apply it to your bill by 31 March 2026. The money is not paid to you.

You qualify if you either:

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

You’ll get a letter from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) if you qualify.

Think you’re eligible, but haven’t received a letter? 

You can call the dedicated helpline on 0800 030 9322 or visit the Warm Home Discount Scheme help page.

The deadline for applying is 28 February 2026.  

If you were born before 22 September 1959 you could get between £100 and £300 to help you pay your heating bills for winter 2025 to 2026.  Most people get the Winter Fuel Payment automatically if they’re eligible.  If you’re eligible, you should have received a letter in October or November saying how much you’ll get, and most payments went out in November or December 2025.  

Eligibility for this can be different if you have someone living at home with you. 

Not sure if you’re eligible? 

Chat to our Financial Inclusion team who are on hand to help.  

You can find out more about eligibility and how to claim if you’ve not had a letter from the DWP on their website. Or you can give them a call on 0800 731 0160. 

The deadline for making a claim is 31 March 2026. 

Households receiving Council Tax Support and a disability benefit, for example, Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payments (PIP) can get a one-off payment of £130. Payments should have been paid in October and November.

If you pay your council tax by direct debit, £130 will have been automatically sent to your nominated bank account.

If you pay your council tax by any other method, you should have received a voucher which can be cashed at any Post Office.

Not received it and think you’re eligible? 

Contact Manchester City Council through their dedicated contact form.