DWP Urges Benefit Claimants to Secure £150 Warm Home Discount Before February Deadline
The Department for Work and Pensions has issued an urgent call to action for individuals receiving six specific benefits who may have missed out on a £150 discount on their energy bills. Eligible households are encouraged to come forward before the February 27 deadline to claim this vital financial support.
Annual Support Until 2030/2031
The Warm Home Discount scheme provides eligible households with a £150 reduction on their energy bills every winter, with this support guaranteed to continue until the 2030/2031 winter season. This long-term commitment offers significant relief to vulnerable households facing ongoing energy cost pressures.
Eligibility Criteria and Benefits Covered
The discount applies specifically to recipients of certain Department for Work and Pensions benefits. The six qualifying benefits include:
- Housing Benefit
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
Automatic Payments and Required Action
For the current winter period of 2025/2026, approximately 96% of Warm Home Discount recipients in England and Wales will receive their £150 rebate automatically without needing to take any action. However, a small percentage of eligible households will need to proactively contact the scheme's helpline to ensure they receive their discount.
Those who have received letters about the scheme should use the helpline number provided in their correspondence to ensure their call is handled most efficiently. The deadline for all claims is February 27, 2026.
How to Claim If You Haven't Received Notification
Individuals who believe they are eligible but have not received either a letter or the discount should call the Warm Home Discount helpline at 0800 030 9322 before the February 27 deadline. This proactive approach is essential for those who may have been missed in the automatic distribution process.
Industry Support for the Extended Scheme
Ned Hammond, Deputy Director of Policy (Customers) at Energy UK, welcomed the confirmation that the Warm Home Discount will remain in place until the end of the decade. "It's very good news to see confirmation that the Warm Home Discount will be in place until the end of the decade which, particularly with the recent expansion, will provide continuing vital support with energy bills to millions of customers," Hammond stated.
He also noted positive changes in Scotland where more customers will now receive the discount automatically without needing to apply. Hammond expressed enthusiasm about working with the government on future scheme improvements, including better targeting and tiered support to ensure assistance reaches those most in need.
Vital Support for Vulnerable Households
Matt Copeland, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at National Energy Action, emphasized the importance of this five-year continuation of the Warm Home Discount. "The 5-year continuation of the Warm Home Discount is welcome news for low-income households and provides support that extends beyond this parliament," Copeland said.
He further explained that "alongside energy advice and wider support to help maximise people's incomes, directly reducing energy bills can be a vital lifeline for vulnerable people who cannot keep their homes adequately warm." This combination of financial assistance and advisory support creates a comprehensive approach to addressing energy poverty among Britain's most vulnerable populations.
The Department for Work and Pensions emphasizes that time is of the essence for eligible benefit recipients to secure their £150 Warm Home Discount before the February 27 deadline, ensuring they receive this crucial support during the winter months when energy costs typically peak.
