The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that six million UK households are expected to receive a letter informing them that they will get a £150 payment to help pay for their energy bills over the winter months.
Eligible households can expect to receive their letter in the post any time from Thursday, October 22, until January 2027. The Government has urged those who think they are eligible to check the name on their energy bills to qualify for the Warm Home Discount, a payment received automatically by qualifying households to ease the cost-of-living pressure over the colder months.
Who qualifies for the payment
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. In an update issued this week, the Government said it is sending households across England and Wales letters confirming they will get £150 off their energy bills this winter.
Every billpayer on means-tested benefits now qualifies for the Warm Home Discount, removing restrictions that previously excluded many who needed help. Letters will begin to arrive this week and will continue to be issued through to January 2027. They 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.
What the government and experts say
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."
Eligibility criteria for England, Wales and Scotland
In England and Wales, the DWP has explained that you may be eligible if all of the following applied on 23 August 2026: your energy supplier is part of the scheme, you (or your partner) get certain means-tested benefits, and your name (or your partner’s) is on the electricity bill.
Being on the following means-tested benefits could make you eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount: Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), and Pension Credit.
Those living in Scotland may be eligible if all of the following applied on 23 August 2026: your energy supplier is part of the scheme, you (or your partner) get certain means-tested benefits, and your name (or your partner’s) is on the electricity bill.
For some qualifying benefits, you’ll get the discount automatically. For others, you will need to apply directly to your energy supplier. You’ll get the discount automatically if you or your partner get Pension Credit, get an extra amount of Universal Credit because you or your child has a disability or health condition, get a disability premium or a pensioner premium of income-related Employment Support Allowance, or get a disability premium or a pensioner premium and have a Support for Mortgage Interest loan.
You’ll also get the discount automatically if you or your partner has responsibility for a child under 5 who normally lives with you and you are unemployed and get Universal Credit, get Income-related Employment Support Allowance, or have a Support for Mortgage Interest loan.
