Millions of households must check the name on their electricity bill before August 23 or risk missing out on the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter. The government has warned that anyone qualifying for the scheme must ensure the correct person is named on their electricity account before suppliers carry out their annual eligibility check on Sunday, August 23.
Who is eligible and how it works
Around six million households are expected to receive the £150 discount, which is automatically applied to electricity bills during the colder months. It is not paid as cash but reduces the amount customers owe between October and March.
The reminder, highlighted by personal finance website Money Wellness, comes after the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero urged eligible households to check their account details now rather than wait until the deadline.
Why the name matters
Suppliers will use account information held on August 23 to decide who qualifies. If the person receiving the qualifying benefit is not named on the electricity account by that date, they could lose out on the £150 payment even if they would otherwise be eligible.
Energy secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said almost one million more families with children received the discount last winter after the eligibility rules were expanded. She said: "If you know someone who might benefit, please start spreading the word."
How to check and common pitfalls
The Warm Home Discount is available to people receiving certain means-tested benefits, including Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and income-related Employment and Support Allowance. Eligible households do not need to apply, as the discount is awarded automatically when records match.
Checking your account only takes a few minutes. Households should look at a recent electricity bill or log into their online energy account to confirm that the name on the account matches the person receiving the qualifying benefit.
Problems can arise if an account is still in the name of a former partner, someone who has moved out, or another member of the household. Those who have recently moved home or changed suppliers should also make sure their details are up to date before the August 23 check.
Prepayment meters and payment timing
People with prepayment meters can still receive the Warm Home Discount, provided the account is registered in their name. Instead of seeing money deducted from a bill, many prepayment customers receive the discount through a voucher.
Most eligible households will receive the £150 discount between October and March. If you believe you qualify but have not received the payment by the end of February, you should contact your energy supplier to investigate.
