The government is urging households to check if they can get help with their energy bills this winter. The Warm Home Discount gives a one-off £150 reduction on electricity bills for people who qualify. The discount is applied automatically by energy suppliers sometime between October and March. This year, more people are eligible because the scheme has been expanded. Previously, you had to show both that you received benefits and that your home had high energy costs. Now, you only need to receive an eligible benefit, making the rules much simpler.
Who Can Get the Warm Home Discount?
According to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), about six million households will receive the payment this winter. That’s an increase of nearly three million compared to last year. To qualify in England and Wales, the person named on the energy bill must receive either the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit or certain benefits such as Universal Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, or Employment and Support Allowance. One important detail is that the benefit recipient must be listed on the energy account. If your name is missing or the account is still in someone else’s name, you might not get the discount.
Why You Need to Act Soon
Energy suppliers will check their customer records as of 24 August 2025. If your details are not correct by then, you may not get the discount automatically. You won’t miss out entirely, but you’ll need to wait for a letter later in the year, which could delay payment until as late as January 2026. Energy minister Miatta Fahnbulleh stressed the importance of acting now. “I want to make sure as many eligible households as possible get £150 off their energy bill,” she said. “If you think you qualify, please check your bill and spread the word to family and friends.”
Why This Support Matters
Even though Of gem recently lowered the energy price cap, bills remain high. The regulator has also warned that bills could rise again in the future, adding around £104 by 2031 to pay for energy infrastructure upgrades. For families already stretched by the cost of living, the £150 Warm Home Discount provides some welcome relief. It’s part of the government’s wider plan to help people manage rising household costs this winter.
What to Do Next
If you think you qualify, take a few minutes to check your energy account today. Make sure the person receiving the benefit is named on the bill and update your supplier if necessary. This simple step will help avoid delays and ensure the discount is applied smoothly. The government also encourages people to share the information with relatives, friends, and neighbors who might not know about the scheme.