Full list of benefits that can claim £150 discount this year

Millions of households, including those on a low income, could be in line for a £150 discount on their energy bills this year. The government has previously confirmed that it would expand the Warm Home Discount scheme after tight restrictions were implemented last year. It is now anticipated that around six million households will benefit from the discount, with an additional 2.7 million included from the expansion this year.

Despite the expansion, many people will need to meet certain criteria to be eligible for the discount. Fortunately, many individuals on low income who are also claiming benefits could receive the discount on their bills.

Who is eligible for the discount?

In the past, the criteria for the Warm Home Discount in England and Wales were limited to those receiving the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, individuals facing high energy costs, or recipients of certain means-tested benefits. This made the eligibility criteria restrictive for many customers who did not claim any qualifying benefits but were still struggling to pay for their energy.

However, the Government has since confirmed that it will remove the threshold, if a means-tested benefit recipient is named on the energy bill. While Pension Credit claimants automatically receive the discount, those who qualify by other means may need to apply for the discount through their energy supplier.

This is possible as long as the energy supplier is participating in the scheme and either the claimant or their partner receives certain means-tested benefits or tax credits.

Full list of benefits eligible for Warm Home Discount

According to official guidance, the following means tested benefits could make you eligible for the Warm Home Discount:

• income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
• Income Support
• Universal Credit
• Housing Benefit
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• the 'Savings Credit' part of Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit
• Working Tax Credit

Keep in mind that the discount will be applied to your bill and is not a cash payment.

All the energy suppliers taking part in the scheme

According to the government website, the following 27 suppliers are signed up to the Warm Home Discount scheme:

• Scottish Gas - see British Gas
• 100Green (formerly Green Energy UK or GEUK)
• Bulb Energy - see Octopus Energy
• Outfox the Market
• E - also known as E (Gas and Electricity)
• Octopus Energy
• Good Energy
• Affect Energy - see Octopus Energy
• Tomato Energy
• Utility Warehouse
• OVO
• E.ON Next
• ScottishPower
• EDF
• Utilita
• London Power
• British Gas
• TruEnergy
• Ecotricity
• Fuse Energy
• Sainsbury's Energy
• Rebel Energy
• Boost
• So Energy
• Co-op Energy - see Octopus Energy
• Shell Energy Retail
• Home Energy