The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed it is writing to people on Pension Credit to confirm £150 Warm Home Discount payouts. Letters will begin arriving this week and will continue to be issued through to January 2027.
How the Warm Home Discount works
The Warm Home Discount Scheme provides a one-off £150 discount off electricity bills for eligible households. Pension Credit is among the qualifying means-tested benefits, alongside Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, and income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
According to the DWP, the letters will advise recipients that they will either receive the discount automatically or, if they need to phone the helpline, they must do so before 26 February 2027 and provide further information to receive the funding.
What recipients need to do
If you are eligible for the scheme, your letter will confirm you do not need to take any action. Your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill by 31 March 2027. If you need to provide more information, your letter will instruct you to call the helpline by 26 February 2027 to confirm your details.
The DWP said: "Letters will begin to arrive this week and will continue to be issued through to January 2027. They will advise that the recipient will either get the discount automatically or, if they need to phone the helpline, must do so before 26 February 2027 and provide further information to receive the funding."
Additional winter support measures
The DWP added: "This is in addition to the VAT cut on electricity bills in October, capping bus fares at £2 and removing £150 of costs off bills earlier this year, giving families breathing space this winter."
Ned Hammond, Deputy Director of Policy (Customers) at Energy UK, said: "The Warm Home Discount offers vital help for millions of households through the colder months, and this week the government will begin sending letters to eligible customers to explain how the support will be delivered."
Hammond continued: "As we face the prospect of another winter of high and volatile energy prices, we encourage anyone struggling with their bill to contact their supplier to see what help is available for them."
Advice for households
Stew Horne, Group Head of Sector Intelligence and External Affairs at Energy Saving Trust, said: "As the weather turns colder and households start using more energy, many people will be worried about how they’ll afford their energy bills. The Warm Home Discount provides valuable support to eligible households, helping to ease the cost of keeping homes warm."
Horne added: "We encourage people to read their letters from the UK government carefully and check whether they need to take any action. Understanding the support available and responding promptly if required can help ensure you receive the help you’re entitled to this winter."
