State pensioners to wake up to automatic £150 payment

Low-income pensioners have been told a £150 boost could be arriving in November. Those who qualify for extra support will be getting a one-off discount on their energy bills through the Warm Home Discount.

The Discount sees £150 knocked off bills one time only between October and March. With the scheme now getting into full swing, more people are likely to receive their discount from November as the weather starts to turn colder.

The discount is applied directly to bills or given in the form of credit or a top-up voucher, rather than a cash payment. But for many the effect will be the same, saving them crucial money on their gas and electricity during the most expensive time of the year.

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Those who get it include older people on the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit. The discount is automatic and people don't need to apply for it. When it is applied depends when energy suppliers decide to do it.

This can be any time between October and March. But eligible people should get a letter explaining what is happening.

The charity Age UK explained: "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.

"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 portion of Pension Credit, or another qualifying benefit, and have high energy costs."