The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that a one-off £150 bonus will be issued to households receiving certain benefits, including Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). The support comes through the Warm Home Discount scheme, which is set to help around six million households this year.
How the discount works
The scheme knocks £150 off energy bills one-time only during winter. It will open again for this winter from October, with most people receiving the boost between November and January. The discount is applied either as energy credit or top-up vouchers, depending on how customers pay their bills.
Households are eligible if they receive any of the following benefits: Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, or ESA. Some low-income pensioners on Pension Credit also get the help. The scheme was recently extended to help everyone who claims Universal Credit.
Qualifying date and automatic payments
Those on qualifying benefits also need to ensure they are named on their electricity account or bill on August 23. Martin Lewis' Money Saving Expert said: "All households in England and Wales receiving a qualifying means-tested benefit should get the discount automatically between October 2026 and March 2027."
You should get the discount automatically if you are in receipt of a qualifying benefit AND you (or your partner, or legal representative) were named on your electricity account or bill on August 23, 2026 (the qualifying date for the payment). If you are eligible, you should get a letter telling you if you'll get it automatically, or if you need to provide more information in order to get the discount (be wary of scams).
Purpose and next steps
The scheme is designed to help save low-income households some money over the expensive Christmas period. If you're unsure about anything, you can contact the Warm Home Discount helpline when it reopens.
