Households Must Claim Benefits by August 24 for £150 Discount

Hundreds of thousands of UK households must claim specific benefits by August 24, 2025, to qualify for the Warm Home Discount, which provides a £150 credit to their energy accounts. This scheme helps alleviate the burden of energy costs for low-income households and has similar eligibility criteria to the previous year.

The Warm Home Discount operates through two separate schemes: one for England and Wales and another specifically for Scotland. Residents in England and Wales are automatically assessed for eligibility, while those in Scotland must actively apply through their energy providers. The UK government plans to send out letters to qualifying households between October and December this year, informing them of their eligibility.

To qualify for the discount, households must be claiming at least one of nine means-tested benefits on the specified date. According to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, eligible benefits include:

– Guaranteed Credit element of Pension Credit
– Income Support
– Income-Based Jobseeker’s Allowance
– Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance
– Housing Benefit
– Universal Credit
– Savings Credit part of Pension Credit

If households do not have an active claim for any of these benefits on August 24, they will not be eligible for the payment. However, there are options for individuals who may not receive these benefits on that date. For example, claims for Pension Credit can be backdated by up to three months, and Universal Credit claims can be backdated by one month.

Currently, around 700,000 pensioners are eligible for Pension Credit but have not claimed it. This benefit can significantly increase weekly income, providing up to £227.10 for single individuals or £346.60 for couples under the “guarantee credit” provision. Even if someone’s income slightly exceeds these thresholds, they may still qualify based on other factors such as disability or caregiving responsibilities.

Pension Credit can also unlock additional financial benefits. For instance, claimants over the age of 75 qualify for a free TV licence, worth up to £174.50 annually. Furthermore, those eligible can receive £25 weekly cold weather payments and access to the Warm Home Discount.

Applications for Pension Credit can be submitted online through the government website or by calling the dedicated claim line at 0800 99 1234.

Specific Considerations for Scotland

In Scotland, the Warm Home Discount scheme distinguishes between two groups: a “core group” that receives automatic payments and a “broader group” that must apply through their energy supplier. Households in the broader group should consult their energy provider promptly to understand eligibility and application processes, as demand for the discounts is expected to exceed available funding.

Additional Support for Energy Bills

There are various resources available for households struggling with energy bills. Those in debt can approach their suppliers to negotiate repayment plans, allowing them to pay off arrears in manageable installments. Many energy companies offer grants to customers facing financial difficulties, with some providers, like British Gas, offering assistance worth up to £2,000.

Furthermore, the Priority Services Register (PSR) is a vital resource for vulnerable households, including the elderly and those with health issues. This service provides essential support, such as advance notice of planned outages, gas safety checks, and additional assistance for those facing challenges.

Households are encouraged to contact their energy suppliers to explore options available to them. Taking proactive steps can ensure that families receive the financial assistance they need during challenging times.