DWP Sends Out £150 Winter Bonus Letters to Eligible Households

As the cold winter months approach, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is rolling out a significant £150 energy discount for eligible households. This one-time winter bonus is part of the Warm Home Discount Scheme, aimed at easing the burden of rising fuel expenses during the colder months.

If you’re wondering whether you qualify, when to expect your letter, and how the payment works, we’ve got you covered.

What is the DWP £150 Winter Bonus?

The DWP £150 winter bonus is a discount on energy bills, specifically aimed at households struggling with high fuel costs. This year, the payments will start being issued in October 2025, and the letters confirming eligibility will be arriving on UK doorsteps shortly, with full distribution expected by January 2026.

The £150 is intended to assist with energy costs from October to March each year, reducing the financial strain of heating homes during the winter.

How the £150 Discount Works

The £150 discount will be directly applied to your electricity bill. For households with prepayment meters, this discount may come in the form of a top-up voucher that can be redeemed at a post office or specified retail locations.

Here’s how it works:

• The discount will either be automatically applied to your account or require you to contact the Warm Home Discount helpline for further details.
• For households with both gas and electricity services, the discount may apply to either the gas or electricity bill, depending on your supplier and eligibility.
• The payment is not made directly to you. Instead, it’s credited to your energy account.

Table: Key Dates and Steps

Event	Date	Action Required
Letters Confirming Eligibility Sent	October 2025 – January 2026	Wait for a letter or verify eligibility online.
Automatic Discount Applied	By March 2026	Check your energy bill for the £150 discount.
Deadline to Contact for Verification	February 28, 2026	Contact the Warm Home Discount helpline if necessary.

Who is Eligible for the £150 Winter Bonus?

The Warm Home Discount Scheme is designed for low-income households, specifically those that:

• Receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit.
• Have high energy costs relative to their household income.
• Live in England or Wales and meet the energy provider and income criteria.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Core Group 1: Automatically eligible if you receive the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit.
• Core Group 2: Available to those receiving means-tested benefits, such as Universal Credit, Income Support, or Housing Benefit, and live in homes with high energy costs.
• Prepayment Meter: Households with prepay meters are also eligible and will receive the discount as a voucher.

How Do You Apply?

Most people in the Core Group 1 will receive an automatic discount. However, if you think you may qualify but have not received the letter, here’s what to do:

1. Verify Eligibility: Use the GOV.UK eligibility checker.
2. Contact Your Supplier: Reach out to your electricity provider to inquire about the discount if you haven’t received your letter by January 2026.
3. Helpline: If you need assistance or have any doubts, call the Warm Home Discount helpline at 0800 030 9322 before the February 28, 2026 deadline.

Energy Suppliers Participating in the Scheme

The Warm Home Discount Scheme is funded by energy providers, including major UK companies:

• British Gas
• E.ON Next
• EDF Energy
• OVO Energy
• Octopus Energy
• ScottishPower

Smaller suppliers may also participate voluntarily, but providers with more than 1,000 customers are legally required to offer the discount.

The £150 winter bonus is a welcome relief for vulnerable households this winter. The DWP’s Warm Home Discount Scheme plays a vital role in ensuring that those facing financial difficulties due to high energy costs are supported during the colder months.

By receiving an automatic credit or voucher, eligible recipients can ease the burden of winter energy bills and focus on staying warm.

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