The government has extended the Warm Home Discount to cover more eligible households this winter
Campaigners have urged the Government that individuals shouldn’t face a choice between “health and heat” as energy costs continue to soar. The Government has expanded the crucial Warm Home Discount scheme to reach more households this winter.
Age UK, the pensioner’s charity, has applauded the announcement that every household receiving a means-tested benefit will now be eligible for the £150 payment in 2026-27, rather than only selected recipients as previously. Nevertheless, the organisation maintains that further action is required, including increasing the sum to £200.
In an email to supporters, it stated: “As winter approaches, energy prices are set to rise by 4% from October and will be even higher by January. Many of you have shared how times are already tough and money is already tight, so I know how worrying this news must be.
“This is why my colleagues and I are urging the Government to put more support in place now to help heat homes this winter. The Warm Home Discount is essential help offered to people on means-tested benefits who are struggling to heat their home.”
The message added: “I recently shared the good news that the Warm Home Discount has been expanded to any household that receives a means-tested benefit, rather than just some. But the Government must do more. Because no one should ever have to choose between their health and their heating bill.
“So my colleagues and I are calling on ministers to raise the Warm Home Discount to at least £200, as well as making it easier for people on low incomes to get additional support from their energy supplier and their local council. The Government must commit to this when they announce the Budget on 28 October.
“Beyond this Budget, Age UK also wants to see the Warm Home Discount changed to reach even more households on low incomes – not just those claiming means-tested benefits. Together, I’m determined that we can make this happen.”
The Government’s Warm Homes Discount provides a one-off reduction on household energy bills. According to the official Government portal, eligible households will automatically receive the discount applied to their bill.
Scottish residents may need to contact their supplier directly. The scheme does not affect any Cold Weather Payment or Winter Fuel Payment.
Who is eligible
England and Wales
In England and Wales you may qualify if on August 23, 2026 all of the following applied:
Qualifying benefits in England and Wales
The qualifying means-tested benefits are:
- Universal Credit
- Housing Benefit
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Pension Credit
Scotland
In Scotland you may be eligible if all of the following applied on August 23, 2026:
Qualifying benefits in Scotland
For some qualifying benefits, you’ll get the discount automatically. For others, you will need to apply directly to your energy supplier. You’ll get the discount automatically if you or your partner:
- get Pension Credit
- get an extra amount of Universal Credit because you or your child has a disability or health condition
- get a disability premium or a pensioner premium of income-related Employment Support Allowance
- get a disability premium or a pensioner premium and have a Support for Mortgage Interest loan
You’ll also get the discount automatically if you or your partner has responsibility for a child under 5 who normally lives with you and you:
- are unemployed and get Universal Credit
- get Income-related Employment Support Allowance
- have a Support for Mortgage Interest loan
If you do not get the discount automatically, you’ll need to apply directly to your energy supplier. Your electricity supplier may have extra eligibility criteria. They’ll also tell you which benefits mean you are eligible.
