Millions are set to save £150 on their electricity bills this winter, as the government urges eligible households to check they are named on their bill to get the discount automatically.
Every household where the bill payer receives an eligible means-tested benefit will now be in line for the discount, after the government removed restrictions that previously excluded many who needed help with bills.
In England and Wales, this means households in receipt of Housing Benefit, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Pension Credit, and Universal Credit will now be eligible.
This takes the number of households set to benefit from the Warm Home Discount to over six million – an increase of 2.7 million households, including 900,000 more families with children.
The government is now issuing a call to eligible households to check they are named on their electricity bill, with suppliers set to rely on customers’ records as of 24 August.
Someone might not be named on their electricity bill if they have recently moved house and changed supplier.
Having the eligible person named on the electricity bill will help make sure households receive the £150 discount automatically.
Last winter, 96% of eligible households received their discount automatically through this route, making it the easiest and quickest way for the overwhelming majority of households.
Who qualifies
People in England and Wales will qualify for the Warm Home Discount this winter if they are receiving one of the following means-tested benefits and are named on the electricity bill, either in their name, that of their partner, or their legal representative.
- Housing Benefit
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
- Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit)
- Universal Credit
If you live in Scotland, are receiving Pension Credit Guarantee Credit and are named on your electricity bill (or your partner or legal representative is), you will likely receive the Warm Home Discount automatically.
Scottish households in receipt of other means-tested benefits will need to apply for the discount via their energy supplier directly from October. Application windows will vary depending on the supplier.
Sunday 24 August is the qualifying date when energy suppliers will match customer records (such as being named on an electricity bill) against eligibility for the discount (an eligible means-tested benefit).
After this date, eligible households will still be able to receive the discount, but they will need to wait for a letter to arrive later this year. If they have not received a letter by January 2026, then they will need to call the helpline.
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