Households on 6 DWP benefits can get £150 payment from August

UK households receiving one of six means-tested benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) are being urged to make one important check this month to get a £150 payment.

The Government has issued a reminder to eligible households to check they are named on their electricity bill before August 24 to ensure they receive a discount off their energy bills from their supplier. Every household where the billpayer receives an eligible means-tested benefit will be in line to automatically get the discount from this date, after the government extended the Warm Home Discount Scheme removing restrictions that previously prevented many from qualifying.

In England and Wales, households will qualify for the £150 discount if they are receiving one of the following six means-tested benefits and are named on the electricity bill, either in their own 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.

The government is urging households to check they are named on their electricity bill before Sunday, August 24, as this is the qualifying date where energy suppliers will match customer records against eligibility for the discount.

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.

If you have recently moved house or changed supplier then you might not be named on your electricity bill, so it’s vital to check your details are up to date. Having the eligible person named on the electricity bill will help make sure households receive the £150 discount automatically.

According to the government, 96% of eligible households last winter received their discount automatically through this route, making it the easiest and quickest way for the overwhelming majority of households.

Eligible customers on pre-payment meters who use a key or card to top up will also need to ensure that their household’s account is registered in their name.

Minister for Energy Consumers Miatta Fahnbulleh said: “We took decisive action earlier this year to expand the Warm Home Discount, giving more working families certainty and peace of mind before winter.

“I now want to make sure as many eligible households as possible get £150 off their energy bill, putting more money in their pockets as part of our Plan for Change.

“If you know someone who might be eligible – please start spreading the word to family and friends, encouraging them to check they are named on their energy bill.”