Universal Credit claimants to get bonus £150 payment

14 money changes - and what they mean for UK households - have been revealed amid the Cost of Living crisis.
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Some Universal Credit claimants will be getting support with their energy bills this winter. Universal Credit is among the qualifying benefits for the Warm Home Discount, as long as people also have high energy costs.

This depends on the size and condition of their property and is determined by the Government. Other qualifying benefits include Housing Benefit and Income Support.

The Warm Home Discount knocks £150 off energy bills one time only between October and March. It's aim is mainly to help poorer pensioners but other households with high energy costs can also get help if they meet the criteria.

READ MORE: State pensioners get £700 paid into bank accounts

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Energy suppliers decide when to apply the discount between October and March. Most of those who get help will receive it automatically and won't need to apply.

They should be sent letters through the post explaining what's happening. The Government says: "The Warm Home Discount Scheme is a one-off £150 discount off your electricity bill.

"If you’re eligible, your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill. The money is not paid to you. You’ll usually get the discount automatically if you’re eligible.

"The qualifying means-tested benefits are:

  • Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit

  • Housing Benefit

  • income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

  • income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

  • Income Support

  • the ‘Savings Credit’ part of Pension Credit

  • Universal Credit

"You could also qualify if your household income falls below a certain threshold and you get either:

  • Child Tax Credit

  • Working Tax Credit