The Government has confirmed that millions of Universal Credit claimants will automatically receive a £150 bonus this winter as part of an extension to the Warm Home Discount scheme. The support, previously limited to certain groups, now covers all households on Universal Credit, providing a one-time £150 discount on energy bills.
Who Qualifies for the £150 Bonus?
Around three million households are expected to benefit from the expanded scheme. In addition to Universal Credit claimants, some of the poorest pensioners and those receiving other benefits such as Housing Benefit and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) will also qualify. The discount is applied as energy credit or a top-up voucher, depending on how customers pay their bills.
Timing and Impact
The Warm Home Discount is typically applied by energy suppliers between November and January. The support comes at a crucial time, as energy bills have risen again at the start of July, with the average household now paying £221 a year more for gas and electricity. The £150 bonus will help offset these increased costs for vulnerable households.
Government Statement
Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlighted the importance of extending support like the Warm Home Discount and scrapping the two-child benefit cap in making a difference to the worst off. He told the Commons: "Because of our decisions, my decisions, the country is moving in the right direction in a stronger and a fairer Britain. Ending austerity, investing in our public services, the fastest falling NHS waiting lists for 17 years, more rights for workers, more rights for renters, standing with Ukraine, Britain's reputation restored and half a million children being lifted out of poverty."
