Millions of households are set to receive a £150 Warm Home Discount, helping ease winter energy bills. Recently, the scheme expanded—now all means‑tested DWP benefits qualify. This article breaks down eligibility, what you must do to get it, and key dates.
Plus, you’ll find a handy table summarizing the details.
What Is the Warm Home Discount?
The Warm Home Discount gives a £150 credit against electricity bills for low‑income households and pensioners. For winter 2025/26, all households on means‑tested benefits qualify—no more thresholds based on high energy costs.
This extends support to over 6 million households, including 900,000 more families with children.
Who Is Eligible? DWP Means-Tested Benefits
In England & Wales, eligibility now includes anyone receiving any of these means‑tested benefits, provided you’re named on the electricity bill by 24 August 2025 (the qualifying date):
- 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
In Scotland, households receiving Pension Credit Guarantee Credit and named on the bill will get the discount automatically. Other means‑tested benefit recipients must apply via their energy supplier, with applications expected from October 2025.
Key Dates & Automatic Payment Details
- Qualifying date: 24 August 2025. You must be on the specified benefit and named on the electricity bill as of this date.
- How it’s delivered:
- England & Wales: Automatic credit between November 2025 and March 31, 2026. Pre‑payment meter users get vouchers or direct smart‑meter credit.
- Scotland: Automatic for Pension Credit recipients; others must apply via supplier starting October 2025.
Why You Must Be Named on the Bill
To receive the discount automatically, you—or your partner/legal representative—must be the named billpayer on that 24 August 2025 electricity account.
This detail ensures the system matches your benefit data to your energy supplier. Last year, 96% of eligible households received the payment smoothly via this method.
Summary Table
| Region | Eligible Benefits (Means-Tested) | Must Be Named on Bill by 24 Aug? | Automatic or Apply? | Delivery Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| England & Wales | Housing Benefit, ESA, JSA, Income Support, Universal Credit, Pension Credit | Yes | Automatic | Electricity credit / voucher |
| Scotland | Pension Credit (Guarantee only) + other benefits | Yes | Pension Credit = Automatic; Other benefits = Apply via supplier from Oct | Same as above |
FAQs
Which DWP benefits make me eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount?
If you receive Housing Benefit, Income-related ESA, Income-based JSA, Income Support, Universal Credit, or Pension Credit (Guarantee or Savings), you qualify—provided you’re named on the electricity bill by 24 August 2025.
Do I need to apply to get the discount?
In England & Wales: No, it’s automatic for eligible households.
In Scotland: Pension Credit recipients get it automatically; all others must apply via their energy supplier starting October 2025.
How and when will I get the discount?
Expect it as a £150 credit on your electricity bill between November 2025 and March 31, 2026. Prepayment meter users will receive a voucher or direct smart-meter credit.