Andy Burnham £150 cost of living discounts confirmed for people on 4 DWP benefits

Andy Burnham's government has confirmed that the Warm Home Discount will return this winter for six million households, with around 250,000 set to receive it automatically for the first time in Scotland.

The £150 rebate will be handed to people receiving means-tested benefits. In England and Wales, the qualifying means-tested benefits are Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Pension Credit. DWP claimants must be named on their energy bill by 23 August 2026 to receive the discount.

Almost a million more families with children received the £150 Warm Home Discount last winter after the government expanded the scheme. Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said families will be worried about their energy bills this winter. "Our focus is on giving them breathing space as we continue to work to bring down bills. Almost a million more families with children received the £150 Warm Home Discount last winter after we expanded scheme. If you know someone who might benefit please start spreading the word and encourage them to check they are named on their energy bill."

The government is urging eligible households to check they are named on their electricity bill with suppliers set to rely on customers' records as of 23 August. Someone might not be named on their electricity bill if they have recently moved house. Eligible customers on pre-payment meters who use a key or card to top up will also need to ensure that their household's account is registered in their name.

The government has confirmed the discount will remain in place for 2026-27, 2027-28, 2028-29, 2029-30 and 2030-31. This means a guaranteed £750 from the government if you fit the eligibility criteria. Last year's Budget took an average £150 off energy bills, which is factored into bills for the years to come. The scheme has been extended as part of the Warm Homes Plan, which aims to reduce energy use, lower bills for millions of households and help lift households out of fuel poverty.