Energy companies will automatically give a £150 discount on electricity bills to low-income customers in England, Wales and Scotland this winter.

The cash is being distributed under the government’s Warm Home Discount scheme.

In most cases, eligible customers will automatically receive the discount from their electricity supplier.

The government has confirmed: “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. You only need to apply if you’re on a low income in Scotland – contact your energy supplier to apply.

“You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity and you’re eligible.”

Most customers can expect the payment before the end of December – though it could be later if their eligibility  confirmation is delayed.

To qualify in England and Wales, you need to claim either the guaranteed credit element of pension credit or one of the following benefits:

• Income support
• Income-based jobseeker’s allowance
• Income-related employment and support allowance
• Housing benefit
• Universal credit
• Child tax credit
• Working tax credit

If you weren’t claiming any of the above benefits by mid-August 2024, you won’t be eligible for the payment.

The criteria is slightly different in Scotland – click here for details.

The Warm Home Discount scheme is not available in Northern Ireland – but click here to find out about the Affordable Warmth scheme.

You can still qualify for the discount if you use a pre-pay or pay-as-you-go electricity meter.

Your electricity supplier can tell you how you’ll get the discount – it could be a voucher you can use to top up your meter.

The discount will not affect other benefits such as the cold weather payment or winter fuel allowance.

The government has faced a backlash after announcing the latter will no longer be universally available to pensioners.

Instead of around 11 million receiving up to £300, just 1.4 million pensioners on means-tested benefits will be eligible.