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The government is urging households to check their eligibility for the expanded Warm Home Discount scheme, which offers a one-off £150 discount on domestic energy bills. The discount is automatically applied between October and March, providing crucial support during the coldest months.
Around six million people are expected to receive the payment this winter, representing a significant increase of 2.7 million from last year. The expansion means substantially more families will benefit from direct energy bill relief.
Eligibility requirements
To qualify for the discount, the bill payer must receive an eligible means-tested benefit and be named on the energy bill. Energy suppliers will check eligibility based on customer records as of 24th August, giving households a limited window to ensure their details are correct.
According to the Mirror, 900,000 more families with children will benefit from the expanded scheme. The same source reports that 96% of eligible households received their discount automatically last winter through being properly named on bills.
Special considerations
Customers with pre-payment meters who use a key or card to top up need to ensure their account is registered in their name, the Mirror reports. This requirement ensures they can receive the automatic discount without complications.
The scheme builds on the government's broader energy support measures, removing previous restrictions that excluded many households. The automatic payment system has proven highly effective, with the vast majority of eligible families receiving support without needing to apply.
Sources used: "Mirror", "Independent" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
