As winter approaches and energy bills continue to bite, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that around 250,000 households will receive notification letters in November 2025 about a one-off £150 discount on their electricity bill under the Warm Home Discount Scheme. This helps eligible low-income households manage rising energy costs this winter.
This year’s scheme has expanded: new rules mean more households will qualify than ever before.
What the £150 Assistance Is and Why It Matters
The Warm Home Discount provides a one-off £150 credit on your annual electricity bill (or a top-up voucher for those on pre-pay meters) to help with heating costs during cold months.
With energy prices staying high, this payment offers meaningful relief—especially for those on means-tested benefits or in vulnerable households. By sending 250,000 new letters this November, the DWP is aiming to reach those recently made eligible after recent rule changes.
Who Qualifies – Eligibility Criteria (2025–26)
To be eligible for the £150 discount, you must meet all of the following core criteria:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Means-tested benefit receipt | On or before the “qualifying date” (24 August 2025) — e.g., Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit), Income Support, Income-based ESA/JSA, Universal Credit in certain cases. |
| Named on the electricity bill | On the account as the bill-payer (or partner/legal representative) on 24 August. |
| Energy supplier participation | Your electricity supplier must be registered under the scheme. |
Key changes this year:
- The “hard-to-heat” home requirement in England & Wales has been removed, meaning homes with standard efficiency can now qualify if the resident meets the benefit and bill-payer criteria.
- Households will receive a letter from the DWP this November if they qualify; in many cases, no action is required to get the discount—it’s applied automatically to the energy account.
Payment & Notification Schedule – What to Expect
- Letters sent from: 20 October 2025, with an intensive mailing wave in November 2025 for the 250,000 households.
- Discount applied by supplier: Usually between October 2025 and March 2026, depending on meter type and variable schedule.
- For pre-payment meters: A top-up voucher may be issued instead of a direct bill credit.
What You Should Do Now
- Verify your name is on your electricity bill if you receive qualifying benefits. If you recently changed address or supplier, check you’re still matching criteria.
- Keep an eye out for a genuine letter from the DWP. The DWP has emphasized that no email or text message is required to receive this discount—they will only send a letter.
- If you think you qualify and haven’t received a letter by January 2026, contact the helpline at 0800 030 9322 (for England & Wales).
- Ensure your energy supplier is part of the scheme; if you switched supplier after 24 August, you may still qualify, but check with your previous supplier.
Final Thoughts
The one-off £150 Winter Energy Discount being notified by the DWP to around 250,000 households in November 2025 is a clear step to support low-income and benefit-receiving households before winter hits. While the amount may seem modest, it can help ease energy cost pressures—especially in older or vulnerable households.
If you think you may be eligible, check now: be on the correct benefits list, ensure your name is on the energy bill, and watch for your letter. This winter, a small extra boost could make a real difference.
FAQ’s
Q1: Do I need to apply to receive the £150 discount?
A1: In most cases, no. If you meet the criteria and are on a participating supplier, the discount will be applied automatically. A letter will confirm if you must take any further action.
Q3: Does this discount affect other benefits like Winter Fuel Payment?
A3: No. The Warm Home Discount does not affect your entitlement to Winter Fuel Payment or Cold Weather Payment.
Q5: What if I think I qualified but didn’t receive the letter or discount?
A5: Ensure your name is on the bill, contact your supplier to check participation, and contact the helpline by 28 February 2026 if you haven’t received a letter or discount.