The government has confirmed that households on four means-tested benefits will receive a £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as Prime Minister Andy Burnham's administration continues its push to ease energy bill pressures. The payment, administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), will be credited to electricity accounts for eligible customers who are named on their bill by Sunday 23 August 2026.
According to the DWP, the discount is available to every household where the billpayer receives one of four qualifying benefits: Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), or Pension Credit. This marks the continuation of an expanded scheme introduced last year, which the government says helped almost a million more families with children.
Energy Secretary urges claimants to check eligibility
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh, appointed to the role by Mr Burnham during his Cabinet reshuffle, said: "Families will be worried about their energy bills this winter and our focus is on giving them breathing space, as we continue to work to bring down bills."
Fahnbulleh added: "Almost a million more families with children received the £150 Warm Home Discount last winter, after we expanded the scheme. If you know someone who might benefit, please start spreading the word and encourage them to check they are named on their energy bill."
The government is now issuing a call to action for all eligible households to verify their billing details. Energy suppliers will base their decisions on customer records as of 23 August, meaning that anyone who has recently moved home or is not registered on their electricity account could miss out unless they update their information promptly.
Prepayment meter customers and core group criteria
Eligible customers using prepayment meters, who top up with a key or card, must also ensure that their household account is registered in their name. The DWP has clarified that a person may qualify if all of the following apply on 23 August 2026: their energy supplier participates in the scheme, they or their partner receive certain means-tested benefits, and their name (or their partner's name) appears on the electricity bill.
This arrangement is known as being in the "core group" of the Warm Home Discount scheme. The £150 figure aligns with the payment made in previous years, and the government has not indicated any change to that amount for the upcoming winter.
What means-tested benefits qualify
The four benefits that qualify for the Warm Home Discount under the core group are:
- Universal Credit
- Housing Benefit
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Pension Credit
Claimants receiving any of these benefits and meeting the other criteria will automatically qualify for the discount, provided their energy supplier is part of the scheme. The DWP encourages people to verify their eligibility well before the 23 August cut-off date.
Previous expansion helped families with children
Last year's expansion of the Warm Home Discount was credited with helping nearly a million additional families with children. This suggests that the current government's approach to energy bill support is focused on reaching more vulnerable households, particularly those with young dependants.
The confirmation of the £150 payment for the upcoming winter will come as a relief to many low-income households who are still adjusting to higher living costs. The emphasis on being named on energy bills underscores the importance of ensuring billing records are up to date, especially for those who have moved or changed suppliers.
The cut-off date of 23 August is less than three weeks away, so claimants are urged to act now. The government has also reminded individuals to spread the word among friends and relatives who may be eligible, as many people could be unaware of their entitlement.
While the Warm Home Discount is typically applied as a credit on electricity bills rather than a cash payment, it provides a direct reduction in energy costs for the coldest months. The scheme is separate from other cost of living support, and eligible households may receive both this discount and other government assistance.
For those who are unsure whether they qualify, the DWP advises checking with their energy supplier or visiting the official government guidance. Ensuring that the named person on the bill matches the benefit claimant is essential to receiving the £150 discount.
