The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a crucial reminder to millions of households across Britain, confirming that a vital £150 discount on energy bills is being automatically applied for the winter. The Warm Home Discount scheme is a one-off payment designed to assist vulnerable individuals and those on low incomes during the most expensive months of the year.
Who is eligible for the discount?
This year, the support has been significantly expanded. An extra 2.7 million people will benefit from the Warm Home Discount after the government relaxed the eligibility rules.
According to the official DWP guidelines, you qualify for the scheme if you live in England or Wales and either:
- Receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit.
- Are on a low income.
For residents in Scotland, eligibility requires that you either get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, or are on a low income and also meet your specific energy supplier's criteria for the scheme.
Official warning over scams
In a recent alert posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, the DWP proactively reminded the public about the scheme. The department stated: "Have you heard about the Warm Home Discount Scheme? If you're eligible, the £150 credit will be automatically applied to your electricity account."
However, the DWP also issued a stark warning to the public, urging vigilance against fraudsters. The department explicitly said, "If you get a call asking you to apply for the discount, it's a scam." The discount is applied automatically for those who qualify; there is no need to apply or provide details over the phone.
Which energy suppliers are taking part?
In an accompanying video, the DWP revealed that a wide range of 28 energy suppliers are participating in the scheme this winter. This ensures that the vast majority of customers are covered.
The participating suppliers include:
- 100Green (formerly Green Energy UK or GEUK)
- Affect Energy – see Octopus Energy
- Boost
- British Gas
- Bulb Energy – see Octopus Energy
- Co-op Energy - see Octopus Energy
- E - also known as E (Gas and Electricity)
- Ecotricity
- E.ON Next
- EDF
- Fuse Energy
- Good Energy
- Home Energy
- London Power
- Octopus Energy
- Outfox Energy
- OVO
- Sainsbury's Energy
- Scottish Gas – see British Gas
- ScottishPower
- Shell Energy Retail
- So Energy
- Square 1 Energy Ltd
- Tomato Energy
- TruEnergy
- Tulo Energy
- Utilita
- Utility Warehouse
This government intervention provides a critical financial cushion for countless families and pensioners, ensuring they can keep their homes warm without the fear of unmanageable bills.
