Millions of households across the UK will see their finances receive a welcome boost as the £150 Warm Home Discount scheme begins rolling out from Monday, November 20, 2025.
The one-off payment of £150 is designed to help vulnerable families and individuals manage their energy costs during the coldest months of the year. For many, this marks the first time they will benefit from the scheme in 2025.
Who Qualifies for the Payment?
This year sees a significant expansion in eligibility criteria. Everyone who claims Universal Credit will now automatically qualify for the support, a change from previous years where only some claimants were eligible.
The scheme also extends to recipients of other benefits including Housing Benefit, Income Support, and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). Low-income pensioners receiving the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit will continue to receive the discount as in previous years.
How and When Will Payments Arrive?
According to energy suppliers including British Gas, the discount will be applied to most eligible households between November 2025 and January 2026, with all payments completed by March 31, 2026 at the latest.
The method of payment depends on how customers settle their energy bills. For those with standard credit accounts, the £150 will appear as a credit on their electricity account. Households using prepayment meters will receive a voucher that can be used to top up at Post Office branches.
This crucial support comes at a time when many families are facing increased financial pressure during the Christmas period, helping to ease the burden of rising energy costs.
