Overview
- The government has widened eligibility this year, saying an extra 2.7 million people will be offered the one‑off discount.
- In England and Wales, eligibility includes those on the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit or on a low income.
- In Scotland, low‑income claimants may qualify if they meet their energy supplier’s criteria, while Pension Credit Guarantee recipients remain eligible.
- The support is a bill credit rather than cash, with pre‑pay customers typically receiving vouchers, and it does not affect Cold Weather Payment or Winter Fuel Payment.
- The DWP published a list of 28 participating suppliers and urged people to ignore unsolicited calls asking them to apply, noting the scheme is not available in Northern Ireland.