The government is sending letters to six million UK households eligible for a £150 boost this winter, with the financial help paid out to assist with energy bills.
Those eligible for the Warm Home Discount – a payment received automatically by qualifying households to ease cost-of-living pressure over the colder months – have been told to expect letters. The government is urging those eligible to check their doormats and letterboxes for a confirmation letter.
Autumn Budget announcements
It comes after it was confirmed at the Autumn Budget last week that around 20 million households will also receive £100 from the government this winter, to help with energy bills, in the form of the new Household Energy Payment.
The new payment will be made to households in council tax bands A to D, with the support costing £2.6 billion. This change will affect a predicted 91.24 per cent of Greater Manchester homes that fall within the A to D bands.
Eligibility and letter timeline
Households eligible for the Warm Home Discount will receive a confirmation letter between October 22 and January 2027. The government is also warning households to check the name on their energy bills to be eligible for the discount over winter.
Every household where the billpayer is on means-tested benefits is in line for the £150 rebate, which comes after the scheme was expanded last year to include nearly a million more families with children receiving extra support.
Every billpayer on means-tested benefits now qualifies for the Warm Home Discount, removing restrictions that previously excluded many who needed help.
The letters will advise that the recipient will either get the discount automatically or, if they need to phone the helpline, must do so before February 26, 2027 and provide further information to receive the funding.
Official responses
Minister for Energy Consumers Polly Billington said: "I know that many families will be struggling with their energy bills this winter.
"That is why I urge those who think they qualify for the Warm Home Discount to keep an eye out for a letter confirming their eligibility.
"Energy is an absolute essential, which is exactly why in October we cut VAT on all electricity bills and earlier this year we removed £150 of costs off bills, giving families breathing space this winter."
Earlier this year the government confirmed that millions of eligible households will receive the Warm Home Discount for the rest of the decade, with the scheme set to continue through to 2030/31.
Ned Hammond, Deputy Director of Policy (Customers) at Energy UK, said: "The Warm Home Discount offers vital help for millions of households through the colder months, and this week the government will begin sending letters to eligible customers to explain how the support will be delivered.
"As we face the prospect of another winter of high and volatile energy prices, we encourage anyone struggling with their bill to contact their supplier to see what help is available for them."
Stew Horne, Group Head of Sector Intelligence and External Affairs at Energy Saving Trust, said: "As the weather turns colder and households start using more energy, many people will be worried about how they’ll afford their energy bills. The Warm Home Discount provides valuable support to eligible households, helping to ease the cost of keeping homes warm.
"We encourage people to read their letters from the UK government carefully and check whether they need to take any action. Understanding the support available and responding promptly if required can help ensure you receive the help you’re entitled to this winter."
