Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Warm Home Discount: £150 Energy Credits Begin as DWP Confirms Automatic Payouts

Eligibility has been widened by about 2.7 million people, with officials warning that unsolicited application calls are scams.

Overview

  • Major suppliers including British Gas, Octopus, EDF, E.ON and OVO have started applying the £150 credit, with most customers set to receive it before January and a final deadline of 31 March 2026.
  • The DWP published a list of 28 participating energy firms and confirmed the credit posts directly to electricity accounts or is issued as top-up vouchers for prepayment meters.
  • In England and Wales, eligibility covers Pension Credit Guarantee recipients or low-income households; in Scotland, low-income applicants must also meet their supplier’s criteria.
  • Coverage indicates Universal Credit claimants now qualify under the expanded rules, alongside other low-income benefit recipients.
  • The scheme does not run in Northern Ireland, and officials stress no application is needed for eligible customers so unexpected calls requesting one are fraudulent.