Everyone due to get £150 cost of living boost as government issues key update

The government's Warm Home Discount scheme, offering a £150 rebate on energy bills, has been extended until 2030/31 to help millions of families manage the escalating cost-of-living crisis. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband announced the continuation of the scheme in response to high wholesale energy prices.

The £150 rebate will be applied to eligible households' energy bills each winter for the remainder of the decade. Following an expansion last year, the scheme now supports approximately six million families.

Households in England and Wales who are recipients of a qualifying means-tested benefit will be automatically included in the discount. But this is only if their energy supplier serves at least 1,000 customers.

Miliband said: "Tackling the affordability crisis is the government’s number one priority. That is why we are today confirming to millions of eligible families across the country that they will receive the £150 Warm Home Discount every winter for the rest of the decade.

"That will give families much-needed peace of mind that they will continue to receive vital support, as we take action to bring down bills for good." See the full list below of all the people who are set to receive the £150 help each winter.

Full list of everyone eligible for the £150 support

The Warm Home Discount provides a one-off £150 rebate on electricity bills for eligible households in England, Scotland, and Wales. Most qualifying households in England and Wales get the discount automatically.

Letters are usually sent to eligible recipients between October and January. If you haven't received one by mid-January 2026, call the Warm Home Discount Helpline at 0800 030 9322 before the February 28, 2026 deadline.

See the official GOV.UK online eligibility checker for more information. To qualify, you (or your partner) must meet the following as of the qualifying date (24 August 2025):

• Supplier: Your energy provider must participate in the scheme.
• Billing: Your name (or your partner's) must be on the electricity bill.
• Benefits: You must receive at least one of the following: Pension Credit: Either the Guarantee Credit or Savings Credit element. Universal Credit: This is now a primary qualifier for many. Income Support. Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA). Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). Housing Benefit. Child or Working Tax Credits (though many have transitioned to Universal Credit).

You are still eligible if you use prepayment meters; your supplier will typically send a top-up voucher by post, email, or text. Regarding park homes, residents can apply for the discount through the Charis Grants website. Participating energy suppliers include:

• British Gas (includes Scottish Gas)
• E (Gas and Electricity)
• E.ON Next (includes Sainsbury’s Energy)
• Ecotricity
• EDF Energy
• Fuse Energy
• Good Energy
• 100Green (formerly Green Energy UK)
• Home Energy
• London Power
• Octopus Energy (includes Affect Energy, Bulb Energy, and Co-op Energy)
• Outfox the Market
• OVO (includes Boost)
• Rebel Energy
• ScottishPower
• So Energy
• Tomato Energy
• TruEnergy
• Tulo Energy
• Utilita
• Utility Warehouse

What have officials said about the extended scheme?

Richard Neudegg, director of regulation at Uswitch.com, said: "Extending the Warm Home Discount for the rest of the decade gives some certainty on this vital support for vulnerable households. Energy bills are still significantly higher than pre-crisis levels, and the news that the discount will be ongoing will give millions of families reassurance that help will be there each winter, not just in the short-term.

"While this commitment is welcome, delivery of affordable clean energy will be essential to bring energy costs down for all households, including the most vulnerable, sustainably for the long term. Anyone struggling to pay their bills should always contact their supplier, as there may be help, schemes or grants available."

A separate initiative will reduce the average household bill by £150 from April, through the abolition of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme. Miliband stated that tackling the affordability crisis is the government's top priority, confirming the ongoing vital support for families to provide peace of mind.

Industry representatives praised the long-term commitment. Energy UK’s Ned Hammond noted that the confirmation offers continuing vital support, particularly following the recent expansion. He also expressed a desire to work with the government on future adjustments to improve targeting and tiered assistance for those most in need.

Matt Copeland of National Energy Action welcomed the five-year continuation for low-income households and stressed the importance of maintaining support for energy advice and for people outside the benefits system. "The five-year continuation of the Warm Home Discount is welcome news for low-income households and provides support that extends beyond this parliament," he said.

"Alongside energy advice and wider support to help maximise people's incomes, directly reducing energy bills can be a vital lifeline for vulnerable people who cannot keep their homes adequately warm. Six million households across Great Britain now receive the discount and the revised eligibility criteria give greater certainty about who will benefit each year.

"It is also essential that support is continuing for energy advice and for measures that reach people who are not within the benefits system. Without this, many households who cannot be identified through government data matching will remain without the help they need."