Millions of households across the UK are set to receive crucial financial support this month as the government's expanded Warm Home Discount scheme begins rollout.
Expanded Eligibility Reaches More Families
Significant rule changes mean that for the first time, every household claiming Universal Credit will automatically qualify for the one-off £150 payment. This expansion marks a substantial shift from previous years where only certain claimants were eligible.
The scheme has also been extended to include people receiving Housing Benefit, Income Support and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). This change is expected to bring approximately three million additional people into the support net during the costly winter months.
How and When You'll Receive Payment
The discount will be applied directly to energy accounts between November 2025 and March 31, 2026, with most households seeing the credit appear before January 2026. The method of application depends on how customers pay their bills.
British Gas confirmed: "If you qualify for the winter 2025/26 payment, you will have your one-off £150 discount applied between November 2025 and March 31, 2026 at the latest. The discount will be added to your electricity account as credit. For pay-as-you-go customers, we'll send a voucher redeemable at Post Offices."
Continued Support for Pensioners
While the scheme expands to reach more working-age households, low-income pensioners receiving the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit will continue to receive the Warm Home Discount as in previous years.
Households are advised to monitor their online energy accounts regularly between now and January to check when their discount has been applied. This winter support comes as many families continue to struggle with high energy costs and broader cost-of-living pressures.
