British Gas, Octopus, Eon, EDF and OVO customers told to check their accounts for £150 payment

UK households have been advised to monitor their bank statements and energy accounts in the coming weeks. The Warm Home Discount scheme, which provides a £150 reduction on gas and electricity bills for certain low-income households, is set to relaunch for winter 2024/25.

The scheme officially launches in October, but the discount may not be applied until any time up to March, depending on when suppliers decide to implement it for their customers. Those who qualify for support should receive correspondence from the Government.

Eligible recipients include pensioners receiving the Guarantee Element of Pension Credit, as well as other low-income households with high energy costs. Due to uncertainty over when exactly the discount will be applied, regular checks to bank accounts, statements, and easily accessible online energy accounts are recommended.

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This will allow you to determine if you've been paying more or less than usual or have made any unexpected savings. It also ensures that those receiving the discount don't inadvertently spend the extra cash, reports Birmingham Live.

The discount is applied directly to bills rather than being issued as a payment, but the effect is the same for many - saving them money on energy payments. The support is means-tested, similar to the now means-tested Winter Fuel Payments.

Age UK has provided clarity on the support available for those struggling with energy bills, stating: "The Warm Home Discount is a one-off payment of £150 to help with the cost of energy during the winter. It's designed to make things a bit easier if you're living on a low income or pension."

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"Getting a Warm Home Discount doesn't affect your entitlement to a Winter Fuel Payment or Cold Weather Payment. If your electricity supplier is part of the Warm Home Discount scheme then you don't need to apply for it you'll get the payment automatically if you or your partner receive the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit, or another qualifying benefit, and have high energy costs."

"The money won't be paid to you directly it'll be added as credit to your electricity account. This usually happens between October and March."