Millions of households across Great Britain are now receiving a vital £150 cost of living payment to help with energy bills this winter.
Who Qualifies for the Payment?
The government has significantly expanded the Warm Home Discount scheme this year, making six million people eligible for the one-off £150 support. For the first time, everyone claiming Universal Credit qualifies for the assistance.
The scheme also includes people receiving other benefits such as Income Support, Housing Benefit, and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). Low-income pensioners receiving the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit continue to be eligible for the discount.
How and When You Will Receive the Money
The £150 discount is being applied to energy accounts between November 2025 and March 31, 2026, with most households expected to receive it before January 2026.
How you get the payment depends on how you pay your bills:
- If you pay by direct debit, the £150 will appear as a credit on your electricity account.
- For traditional prepayment meters, you will receive a voucher to top up at a Post Office.
- Smart meter customers on pay-as-you-go tariffs will have the credit sent directly to their meter.
Major energy suppliers like British Gas are encouraging customers to check their online accounts to see if the discount has been applied.
A Crucial Expansion of Winter Support
This year's rule changes mark a significant expansion of the support available. Previously, only some households on these benefits qualified, but the government has now widened the eligibility criteria.
This £150 Warm Home Discount provides crucial relief during the coldest months, helping to ease the pressure on family budgets for those most affected by the cost of living.
