Autumn Budget 2026: £100 Household Energy Payment — who gets it and when

On 28 October 2026 HM Treasury published the Autumn Budget 2026. The main measure for households is a new Household Energy Payment. ONLYWAY NEWS explains who gets the £100, when it will be paid and what to do, drawing only on official GOV.UK pages.

What the Household Energy Payment is

It is a one-off £100 payment to help with energy costs. It goes to households in England that are liable for council tax on, and live in, a property in council tax bands A to D as their main home. The government estimates that up to 20 million households will be eligible — about 83% of fuel-stressed households in England and 88% of households in the bottom three income deciles.

Who does not get it

The payment is not available for second homes, empty properties, or households where the occupant is not responsible for paying council tax. Full eligibility criteria will be published later; most households that are exempt from council tax will still be included.

When and how you get the £100

Payments start from January 2027. If you live in bands A to D and pay council tax by direct debit, you need do nothing — the money goes straight into your bank account. If you pay another way, your council will invite you to apply. You can find your band on the GOV.UK page “Check your Council Tax band”.

Watch out for scams

Only your council should ever contact you about this payment. No one else is entitled to ask for your personal details in order to claim the “£100”. Give out personal information only if you are certain it is your council getting in touch, and double-check with the council if you are unsure.

If you are not in bands A to D

The government is providing an extra £100 million for local authorities to give discretionary support to families who fall outside bands A to D but still struggle with energy bills. Households on means-tested benefits may also be eligible for the Warm Home Discount — £150.

Other energy changes

• Standing charges on gas. The government has asked the regulator Ofgem to remove standing charges from household gas bills as early as 2027. Those costs move into the unit rate, so your bill will depend more on how much you use; some vulnerable high-use households will get targeted help.
• Energy debt. A targeted Debt Relief Scheme is being introduced for vulnerable households: it is for people on means-tested or disability benefits, or pensioners, who built up debt since the 2022–2024 energy crisis and start repaying it. Ofgem will consult on the final design.
• VAT on electricity. VAT was removed from household electricity bills on 1 October, saving an average of about £45 a year. The cut has been extended to July 2027.
• Long-term goal. Through market reform the government pledges to bring energy costs in line with Europe within 10 years.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

The £100 payment applies in England only. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will receive additional funding and decide for themselves how to support their households.

Source: official GOV.UK material on the Autumn Budget 2026.