Prime Minister Keir Starmer has confirmed that six million households across the UK will receive direct help with their energy bills this winter through an expanded government support scheme.
What is the Warm Home Discount?
The support comes via the £150 Warm Home Discount (WHD), a one-off deduction applied directly to energy bills during the colder months. For most eligible recipients, the discount will be applied between November and January, meaning some families may have already seen the credit on their accounts.
The payment is issued either as an automatic credit to a household's energy account or as a voucher for those using prepayment meters.
Major Expansion to Universal Credit Claimants
In a significant change for the 2025/26 scheme, eligibility has been broadened. For the first time, all claimants receiving Universal Credit will qualify for the discount. This policy shift opens up the vital cost of living support to an estimated three million additional homes.
The scheme continues to support other vulnerable groups, including pensioners and those on legacy benefits such as:
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
A "Moral Mission" to Tackle Poverty
Keir Starmer highlighted the Warm Home Discount during Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, 3rd December 2025, framing it as a key part of the government's commitment to supporting families through the winter.
"It is our moral mission to tackle poverty," the Prime Minister stated. "We've abolished the two-child benefit cap. I'm very proud to be able to do that. We've boosted the national living wage by £1,500. We're adding £150 we're taking off energy bills. We're driving economic growth right across the country."
The confirmation provides certainty for millions of low-income households facing high winter energy costs, ensuring targeted help reaches those who need it most.
