Millions of UK residents can claim £150 to help with energy bills – are you eligible?

Nearly three million more families will be eligible to receive an £150 Warm Home Discount next winter under government proposals to help people with their energy bills.

This is technically a consultation, but ministers insist the proposed changes will be implemented.

The changes

Previously, only those on Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance would only access the £150 if they have “high energy costs”.

But under the proposed changes, the “high energy costs” criteria would be removed. 

That means one in five families (some 6.1 million extra households) can claim support. 

The government announced the expansion to the scheme yesterday after the 6.4% increase to the energy price cap. 

The scheme may also be extended to other excluded groups, but nothing is confirmed yet. 

The government also suggested that further changes could be made after this consultation period, at the end of March.

“We are currently considering more substantial changes to the Warm Home Discount Scheme to improve the design of the scheme beyond the current regulations which expire in 2026,” the government said. 

Are you eligible?

It’s important to remember that the changes we’re talking about would not come into force until next winter, at which point you’ll be able to check your situation up against the new criteria. 

For now, if you live in England and Wales, you qualify for the Warm Home Discount if you either get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, are on a means tested benefit and have high energy costs.

If you live in Scotland, you qualify if you either get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, are on a means tested benefit in Scotland and/or meet your energy suppliers’ criteria for the scheme.

Save this link and check back in a few months when the new changes are implemented.