Energy customers have until Sunday, August 23, to ensure they receive the £150 Warm Home Discount payment directly into their accounts. Those who miss this deadline risk losing the support entirely.
Approximately six million households will receive the rebate this winter, including roughly 250,000 in Scotland who will receive it automatically for the first time. The government has encouraged eligible households to verify they are listed on their energy bill to receive the discount automatically.
Eligible Benefits and Automatic Qualification
People claiming means-tested benefits are automatically eligible for the Warm Home Discount, provided they are registered as their household's energy bill payer. They must be listed on their energy bill by August 23 to secure the support.
In England and Wales, households in receipt of Housing Benefit, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit, and Universal Credit will qualify – the same group as last winter.
Government Actions and Supplier Participation
This reminder follows the Prime Minister's decision to scrap VAT from domestic electricity bills from October 1, cutting £45 from the annual Ofgem price cap. The government stated the prompt action provides relief on the cost of living.
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said: "Families will be worried about their energy bills this winter and our focus is on giving them breathing space, as we continue to work to bring down bills. Almost a million more families with children received the £150 Warm Home Discount last winter, after we expanded scheme."
Twenty-four companies have enrolled in the scheme, which will provide millions with a £150 payment directly into their accounts. Suppliers participating in the winter 2026 to 2027 scheme include 100Green, Boost, British Gas, E, Ecotricity, EDF, EnergyCoop, E.ON Next, Fuse Energy, Good Energy, Home Energy, London Power, Octopus Energy, Outfox Energy, OVO, Sainsbury’s Energy, Scottish Gas, ScottishPower, So Energy, Square 1 Energy Ltd, TruEnergy, Tulo Energy, Utilita, and Utility Warehouse.
Pre-Payment Meter Customers and Scheme Duration
Eligible customers on pre-payment meters who use a key or card to top up will also need to confirm that their household's account is registered in their name. Someone might not appear on their electricity bill if they have recently relocated.
Earlier this year, the government announced that millions of qualifying households will continue to benefit from the Warm Home Discount until the end of the decade, with the scheme confirmed to run through to 2030/1. Last year's Budget stripped an average of £150 from energy bills, a saving that has been incorporated into future billing calculations. The government stated that the Warm Homes Plan will further cut energy consumption, reduce bills for millions of households, and help tackle fuel poverty across the country.
