This winter, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is rolling out a £150 Warm Home Discount (WHD) automatically to around 6 million households, an expansion that adds 2.7 million more eligible families .
Key Details and Figures
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Discount Amount | £150 applied directly to energy bills (not cash) |
| Newly Eligible Households | +2.7 million, totaling ~6 million recipients |
| Beneficiaries with Children | Nearly doubled, ~900,000 households with children now eligible |
| Benefits Included | Housing Benefit, Income-related ESA, Income-based JSA, Income Support, Universal Credit, Pension Credit (Guarantee & Savings) |
| Qualifying Date | Must be recorded on bill by 24 August 2025 |
| Application | Automatic in England & Wales; some Scots must apply manually |
| Delivery Timeline | Credited between October 2025 and March 2026; vouchers for prepay meters |
| Prepayment Meters | Smart financial credit applied directly; traditional meters receive vouchers |
| Scotland Specifics | Pension Credit Guarantee Credit recipients get automatic; others must apply |
| Additional Support | Winter Fuel Payment up to £300 reinstated for pensioners (means-tested) |
Expanded Eligibility and Why It Matters
The scheme now covers any household on means-tested DWP benefits, removing previous limitations like ‘high energy cost’ thresholds .This means eligibility is now based simply on benefit receipt—not home characteristics—greatly improving accessibility and support.
How to Ensure You Get the £150
- Check Your Name on Your Bill
Ensure you (or your partner managing benefits) are named on the electricity bill before 24 August 2025 . - Wait for Automatic Application
If eligible, the discount is applied automatically; if not received, you’ll get a letter with next steps (England & Wales: October–December 2025; contact line by February 2026) . - Prepay Meter Users – Use Vouchers Promptly
Traditional prepay users must claim vouchers (usually redeemable at Post Office), often with 30–90 day expiry . - Scots on Non-Pension Benefits
You may need to apply via your energy provider to get the discount .
The DWP’s expanded £150 Warm Home Discount stands out as a vital lifeline for low-income households this winter, now reaching 6 million homes.
If you receive means-tested benefits, simply check that your name is on your energy bill by August 24, 2025, and stay alert for letters or credits.
This streamlined support helps reduce energy costs and brings much-needed relief amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
FAQs
Households in receipt of means-tested benefits—Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Income-related ESA, JSA, Income Support, Pension Credit (Guarantee or Savings)—and with the eligible person named on the bill by 24 August 2025. In Scotland, automatic applies only to the Pension Credit Guarantee group; others must apply .
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