More UK households handed £150 payment from DWP after rule change | Personal Finance | Finance

As many as 2.7 million more households will be given an extra £150 payment to help with energy bills by the DWP this winter, the government announced today. It means a total of six million households will be eligible for a £150 Warm Homes Discount payment this year, including 900,000 families with children and 1.8M households currently in ‘fuel poverty’, the government said, and the money is automatically deducted from energy bills for eligible households.

The government announced today, Thursday, June 19, that every bill payer on means-tested benefits will now qualify for the money, removing restrictions which were previously in place. In its announcement, the government said: “Over 6 million households will benefit this year – an increase of 2.7 million households, including 900,000 more families with children and a total of 1.8 million households in fuel poverty.

Every billpayer on means-tested benefits will now qualify, removing restrictions that previously excluded many who needed help and providing peace of mind to millions more families.”

The Warm Homes Discount is paid out to any eligible households automatically, so you don’t need to apply.

The Warm Home Discount Scheme is a one-off £150 discount off your electricity bill. If you’re eligible, your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill.

The change will mean that all households where the means-tested benefit recipient (or their partner or legal appointee) is named on the energy bill will now be eligible to receive the £150 electricity bill rebate. Adam Scorer, Chief Executive, National Energy Action said: “It’s hugely positive that across Great Britain, many more low-income households on means-tested benefits will get some direct support to tackle unaffordable bills and record energy debts this winter.

“Vitally, this includes many more low-income working-age households with children, who are living with the daily consequences of not having access to enough energy at home.”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “I know families are still struggling with the cost of living, and I know the fear that comes with not being able to afford your next bill.

“Providing security and peace of mind for working people is deeply personal to me as Prime Minister and foundational for the Plan for Change. I have no doubt that, like rolling out free school meals, breakfast clubs and childcare support, extending this £150 energy bills support to millions more families will make a real difference.”