£100 Household Energy Payment – For Council Tax Bands A to D

Overview

Announced in the 28 October 2026 Budget, the Household Energy Payment is a one-off £100 paid to around 20 million households in Council Tax bands A to D. It's paid by your local council from January 2027 — and if you already pay Council Tax by Direct Debit, the money lands in your bank account automatically.

The Scottish and Welsh governments have confirmed the same payment for eligible households.

How to Claim

1. Click the link on this page to check your property's Council Tax band on GOV.UK.
2. If you're in band A, B, C or D and pay by Direct Debit, you don't need to do anything — the £100 is paid into your account from January 2027.
3. If you pay another way (cash, card, standing order), watch your council's website — you'll need to give them your bank details once they open their claim process.

Requirements

• Your home is in Council Tax band A, B, C or D
• You live in England, Scotland or Wales
• You're the person liable for Council Tax at the address

Important Terms

• The payment comes from your council, not your energy supplier — it isn't a credit on your energy bill.
• Council Tax-exempt households (for example student-only homes) are still eligible, but the process hasn't been confirmed yet.
• Northern Ireland has funding for a similar scheme, but the NI Executive hasn't confirmed how it will be used.
• Households in higher bands who struggle with bills may get help from a separate £100 million council support fund.

Tips

• Not on Direct Debit for Council Tax? Switching to it now is the simplest way to get paid automatically.
• Councils will never cold-call or text asking for card details or a fee to release the payment — treat any message like that as a scam.