Some pensioners and DWP claimants will get 'automatic' £150 winter payment from October

The Warm Home Discount scheme - which has seen some of the country's largest suppliers sign up - is continuing across the country.
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Some pensioners and benefit claimants will get an "automatic" £150 payment paid into their account over the next six months as the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) Warm Home Discount scheme is rolled out. The DWP scheme gives £150 off energy bills for those eligible.

Letters to eligible households should be arriving from October. The discount will be applied directly to electricity bills between October and March, rather than as a separate payment. The timing of the discount application varies among energy suppliers and can occur anytime until March 2024.

Eligibility for the Warm Home Discount extends to pensioners receiving the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit. Age UK explains: "If you receive Pension Credit or you're on a low income with high energy costs, you might be entitled to a £150 reduction on your electricity bill through the Warm Home Discount scheme."

Other qualifying benefits include the Savings Credit portion of Pension Credit, Universal Credit, and Housing Benefit. Some recipients of Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit may also be eligible. You might not be eligible for the Warm Home Discount if you live in a more energy-efficient property, even if you receive a qualifying benefit (though this doesn't apply to recipients of the Guarantee Credit portion of Pension Credit).

If you think the energy costs assessment is inaccurate, you can challenge it by getting in touch with the Warm Home Discount helpline on 0800 030 9322. If you haven't received a letter by mid-January and you think you're eligible, then you can contact the Warm Home Discount helpline on 0800 030 9322.

The deadline for this winter will be announced later in the year.