The Department for Work and Pensions is urging millions of households to check that their name appears on their electricity bill by Sunday 23 August, or they could lose out on a £150 energy bill discount this winter.
The payment is part of the Warm Home Discount scheme, which is applied automatically to accounts of households receiving means-tested benefits. The scheme was expanded last year to include nearly a million more families with children, and around six million households across Britain are now eligible.
Who is eligible for the £150 discount?
In England and Wales, the discount applies to households in receipt of Housing Benefit, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit and Universal Credit – the same group as last winter.
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."
She added: "Almost a million more families with children received the £150 Warm Home Discount last winter, after we expanded scheme."
What households need to do by 23 August
The government has warned that suppliers will rely on customer records as of Sunday 23 August. Anyone who has recently moved house may not be named on their electricity bill, meaning they may not automatically receive the discount.
Eligible customers on pre-payment meters who top up with a key or card must also ensure their account is registered in their name.
Ms Fahnbulleh added: "If you know someone who might benefit, please start spreading the word and encourage them to check they are named on their energy bill."
Additional support and the future of the scheme
The warning comes as the Prime Minister took immediate action to remove VAT from domestic electricity bills from 1 October, in one of his first decisions in office, saving £45 off the yearly Ofgem price cap. Earlier this year, the government confirmed the Warm Home Discount will continue through to 2030/1.
Last year's Budget has taken an average £150 off energy bills, with the saving factored into bills for years to come. The Warm Homes Plan will also reduce energy use, lower bills for millions of households and help lift households out of fuel poverty.
