Is your family getting £150 off energy bills this winter? New government letters confirm eligibility

More than 250,000 households across England and Wales are receiving official letters confirming their eligibility for a one-off £150 energy bill discount this winter. The move is part of the expanded Warm Home Discount Scheme, first announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, aimed at easing pressure on low-income families amid rising living costs.

A Major Expansion to Help Millions

The government says that more than six million households across England, Scotland and Wales will now benefit from the scheme — including 2.7 million newly added families who were not previously eligible. For most, the discount will be applied automatically to their energy bills, requiring no further action.

However, some recipients will need to provide additional details, such as their electricity bill or account number, to confirm that the registered bill payer matches the benefit recipient. These households will find instructions and a helpline number in the letter to ensure their £150 reduction is processed without delay.

Starmer: “Fixing the Rusting Energy System”

Speaking on the rollout, Prime Minister Starmer said the scheme is both an immediate relief measure and part of a longer-term clean energy strategy.

“This cash injection will help people manage their bills while we fix the rusting energy system we inherited,” he said. “Through our clean energy mission, we’ll get bills down for everyone in the long run — creating jobs and driving growth.”

The Warm Home Discount Scheme, which began in 2011, has evolved into a cornerstone of Britain’s social energy policy. The 2025 expansion reflects the government’s attempt to align short-term support with long-term sustainability goals.

Who Qualifies for the Discount?

In England and Wales, eligibility depends on whether a person receives certain means-tested benefits and is listed as the account holder on their electricity bill. The qualifying benefits include:

• Universal Credit

• Pension Credit (Guarantee or Savings Credit)

• Income Support

• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

  
  
  

• Housing Benefit

For Scotland, similar criteria apply, although energy suppliers may have additional conditions.

Households that do not receive a letter by January 2026 but believe they qualify can contact the Warm Home Discount Scheme before February 28, 2026, to confirm their status.

Tackling Energy Affordability

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband emphasized that this year’s initiative targets families most affected by fuel poverty.

“Letters landing this week bring welcome news to hundreds of thousands of families,” Miliband said. “We are determined to tackle energy affordability head-on. I urge anyone asked for further details to follow the simple steps and secure their discount.”

The support comes as Ofgem’s energy price cap rose by 2 percent on October 1, 2025, lifting the average annual dual-fuel bill from £1,720 to £1,755. With cooler weather setting in, the timing could not be more critical for struggling households.

Beyond Relief: A Push Toward Energy Independence

Government officials argue that helping families with immediate bills is only part of the plan. Britain’s long-term focus remains on reducing dependency on volatile fossil fuel markets by scaling up clean, homegrown power.

Starmer and Miliband both stress that clean energy investment is the surest way to stabilise costs permanently. Additional proposals to support energy-vulnerable families are expected later this year under the Warm Homes Plan.

For millions of families facing another expensive winter, this £150 relief is more than just a line on a bill — it’s a sign of targeted government intervention during challenging times.

FAQ

Q: Who qualifies for the £150 Warm Home Discount?
A: Households receiving means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Income Support, and listed as the bill payer, qualify automatically.

Q: Do I need to apply for the discount?
A: Most people will receive it automatically, but some may need to confirm details through a helpline.

Q: When will I get the letter?
A: Letters are being sent between late October 2025 and January 2026.

Q: Can people on pre-pay or pay-as-you-go meters benefit?
A: Yes. Eligible pre-pay customers can receive a voucher or credit from their supplier.

Q: What if I don’t get a letter?
A: Contact the Warm Home Discount Scheme before February 28, 2026, if you think you qualify.