Millions of households across Great Britain are being reminded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to check that they are correctly named on their electricity account if they want to receive the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter.
The reminder comes ahead of an important eligibility check used by energy suppliers. People who have recently moved home or use a prepayment meter are among those being encouraged to confirm that their account details are up to date.
Discount
The Warm Home Discount is a government scheme that provides eligible households with a one-off £150 discount on their electricity bills during the winter months.
The payment is applied automatically for qualifying customers, meaning there is no need to submit a separate application in most cases.
Around six million households across Great Britain are expected to qualify for the discount this winter.
Eligibility
In England and Wales, households receiving certain means-tested benefits may qualify for the Warm Home Discount.
Eligible benefits include:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
The scheme was expanded last year, allowing nearly one million additional families with children to receive the payment.
Warning
The government is urging eligible households to check that the correct person is named on their electricity bill before suppliers use customer records for eligibility checks.
This is particularly important for people who:
- Have recently moved home.
- Have changed energy suppliers.
- Use a prepayment meter with a key or card.
- Are unsure whose name appears on the electricity account.
Customers using prepayment meters should also ensure the account is registered in their own name where appropriate.
Deadline
Energy suppliers are expected to rely on customer records as they stand on Sunday, 23 August.
Households that need to update their account information are encouraged to do so before that date to help avoid potential issues with receiving the discount.
Support
The government has confirmed that the Warm Home Discount scheme will continue through the 2030-31 winter period.
The long-term extension is intended to provide ongoing support for eligible households facing energy costs.
In addition to the Warm Home Discount, the government has announced the removal of VAT from domestic electricity bills from 1 October. According to government estimates, this measure could reduce annual energy costs by around £45 based on the current Ofgem price cap.
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said:
“Families will be worried about their energy bills this winter and our focus is on giving them breathing space, as we continue to work to bring down bills.”
She also encouraged people to help others who may qualify, adding:
“If you know someone who might benefit, please start spreading the word and encourage them to check they are named on their energy bill.”
Checking
Households that believe they may qualify should review their electricity account details with their supplier, particularly if they have recently moved or changed payment arrangements.
Keeping account information accurate can help ensure eligibility checks are completed correctly when suppliers assess qualifying customers.
The Warm Home Discount remains one of several forms of support available to eligible households during the winter months. While the £150 discount is applied automatically for qualifying customers, ensuring that electricity account details are accurate before the supplier’s eligibility check may help prevent delays or complications. Those who think they may qualify should review their account information and check the latest guidance from their energy supplier or the GOV.UK website.
FAQs
How much is the Warm Home Discount?
Eligible households receive a £150 electricity bill discount.
Who may qualify for the discount?
Eligible households receiving certain means-tested benefits.
Why should I check my energy account?
Your name should match the electricity account records.
Do prepayment meter customers qualify?
Yes, if they meet the eligibility rules and account requirements.
