Thousands of households across the UK are set to receive a welcome financial boost to help with winter energy costs. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that a one-off payment of £150 under the Warm Home Discount scheme will be credited to eligible customers in February.
Who Qualifies for the £150 Payment?
The support is targeted at those potentially struggling to pay their heating bills during the coldest months. There are two main groups for eligibility, known as Core Group 1 and Core Group 2.
If you are in Core Group 1, you do not need to apply. You will automatically qualify if you receive the guaranteed portion of Pension Credit.
To be in Core Group 2, you must be receiving one of the following seven benefits:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment & Support Allowance
- Housing Benefit
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit Savings Credit (PCSC)
How and When Will You Get the Money?
The £150 support is not a direct cash payment into your bank account. Instead, it will be applied as a credit to your energy account. Energy suppliers, including Utilita, have outlined how this will work.
For customers who pay by Direct Debit or on receipt of a bill, the £150 will be credited directly to your energy account. You should see this reflected on the bill you receive in February, which covers your January energy usage.
If you are a prepayment (PAYG) customer without a smart meter, you will receive energy vouchers totalling £150 instead. These need to be redeemed at your usual top-up point.
Crucial Steps to Ensure You Are Paid
Energy firms are urging customers to take one vital step to avoid any delays or issues with receiving the payment. It is essential that your personal details match exactly with the records held by the DWP.
"Your name must match our records exactly as they appear on the DWP’s database," Utilita has stated. If your name has changed or there is any mismatch, you must inform both your energy supplier and the DWP immediately.
If you need to update your name with Utilita, you can call them on 0330 3337 442. For other detail changes, the easiest method is via the 'My Utilita' online portal or app. To contact the DWP about your benefit details, call 0800 030 9322 from 27 October 2025.
What should you do if the payment doesn't appear? Utilita advises that if you haven't seen the credit on a bill after February, or if you haven't received your vouchers by the end of the scheme year on 31 March 2026, you should get in touch. You can contact them via Live Chat on their website or app for further assistance.
This annual scheme provides critical support for vulnerable households, offering direct relief against high winter energy costs. Ensuring your details are correct is the key to receiving this vital assistance without any problems.
