Millions of UK households will receive a £150 energy bill discount this winter as part of the government’s expanded Warm Home Discount Scheme. The initiative, part of the broader Plan for Change, is designed to ease the burden of high energy costs during colder months.
With over 6 million families now eligible, including 2.7 million newly added households, this measure offers timely relief amid ongoing cost of living pressures.
What Is the £150 Payment?
The £150 payment is a one-time rebate applied directly to energy bills. It is not paid as cash to recipients but rather given as a credit by energy suppliers.
The rebate targets low-income households, especially those on means-tested benefits, ensuring essential heating remains accessible.
Eligibility: Who Qualifies for the £150 Energy Rebate?
Eligibility has been significantly widened for 2025. Previously, claimants needed to both receive certain benefits and live in homes with high energy costs. The new policy removes the high-heating-cost requirement, allowing many more families to qualify.
Eligibility Now Includes:
- All households receiving means-tested benefits
- Homes where the benefit recipient, partner, or legal appointee is named on the energy bill
- 900,000 additional families with children
- 1.8 million households experiencing fuel poverty
In Scotland, eligibility also expands, particularly within the broader group, increasing access to those previously excluded under local criteria.
Breakdown by Region: Newly Eligible Households
The following regions will see thousands of new households receive the discount for the first time this winter:
| Region | Newly Eligible Households |
|---|---|
| Scotland | 240,000 |
| Wales | 110,000 |
| North East England | 100,000 |
| North West England | 280,000 |
| Yorkshire & The Humber | 210,000 |
| East Midlands | 160,000 |
| West Midlands | 270,000 |
| East of England | 250,000 |
| London | 570,000 |
| South East England | 350,000 |
| South West England | 220,000 |
How the Payment Works
- Amount: £150
- Method: Automatically credited to your electricity bill (or gas if eligible)
- Timing: Between October and March
- Application: No need to apply in England or Wales if you’re in the core group; Scottish residents in the broader group may still need to apply via their supplier
- Prepayment Meters: May receive a voucher or manual top-up
Other Winter Support Announced
In addition to the Warm Home Discount:
- Pensioners earning under £35,000/year are eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment or Winter Heating Payment, worth £200–£305.
- The government is also protecting households by:
- Freezing fuel duty
- Raising the minimum wage, offering up to £1,400 more annually to low-income workers
- Reducing the price cap operating cost to keep bills low
- Addressing energy debt recovery, cutting levies on bills
These efforts aim to provide broader financial stability to households throughout the winter season.
Why This Change Matters
The change comes at a critical time for many households. Rising costs, stagnant incomes, and energy debt have pushed thousands to the edge of affordability. By eliminating outdated eligibility restrictions, the government is now offering peace of mind and immediate relief to struggling families.
The policy also ensures that working families, who previously missed out due to technicalities, are no longer left behind. More low-income households with children and vulnerable individuals will now benefit without having to navigate complex assessments.
With the UK entering another costly winter season, the £150 Warm Home Discount provides vital relief to millions of households.
Expanded eligibility rules mean that many who previously missed out will now receive this help — especially working families, pensioners, and fuel-poor households.
Delivered under the government’s Plan for Change, this energy rebate offers immediate support where it’s needed most, without requiring complex applications or long waits.
For those facing rising costs and uncertain bills, this payment serves as a much-needed cushion against the cold months ahead — a step toward fairer access and energy security for all.
FAQs
Will I get the £150 directly in my bank account?
No. The £150 is applied directly to your energy bill as a credit. It is not a cash payout.
Do I need to apply for this payment?
If you’re in England or Wales and receive a qualifying benefit, no application is needed. Scottish residents under the broader eligibility group may need to apply through their energy supplier.
What if I use a prepayment meter?
If you’re eligible, you may receive a voucher or credit top-up on your meter instead of a bill deduction.