Millions of households in the UK are set to receive a £150 reduction on their energy bills through the Warm Home Discount scheme. This discount is typically applied by energy suppliers directly to the bill, rather than as a cash payment.
For households using a pre-payment meter, the discount may come in the form of a voucher, depending on the supplier, which can be used to top up the meter. Eligible households will receive confirmation letters from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) starting this week.
Approximately six million households are expected to benefit from the discount, with an additional 2.7 million included due to the scheme’s expansion this year. Previously, eligibility in England and Wales was limited to those receiving the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, which excluded some pensioners from extra support.
The government has now removed the threshold, allowing recipients of means-tested benefits listed on the energy bill to qualify for the Winter Payment, extending support to some people under the State Pension age.
Recipients of Pension Credit will automatically receive the discount, while others who are eligible may need to apply through their energy supplier. To qualify, the supplier must participate in the scheme, and either the claimant or their partner must be receiving specific means-tested benefits or tax credits, with their name on the electricity bill as of August 24, 2025.
According to DWP guidance, certain benefits may make individuals eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment. Participating energy firms in the Warm Home Discount scheme are listed on GOV.UK.