Thousands of UK households are set to receive a one-off payment of £150 to use towards their energy costs this week. Energy supplier Utilita has confirmed that payments for the Warm Home Discount scheme will commence in January, with the scheme set to end in March.
The one-off payment is offered to help hard-up households pay their energy bills during the winter, with eligibility split into two groups: Core Group 1 and Core Group 2. Changes to the scheme were last made in 2022, which means that those eligible no longer need to apply. This year, payments have been issued later due to a new round of changes, which has increased the number of those eligible for financial aid.
Utilita explained: “Because more of our customers qualify for the Warm Home Discount compared to many other suppliers, we need to pay out a higher amount upfront. This is normal and expected – but this year we’re paying a lot more customers, so we need to receive funding to be able to make payments to customers.
“This year, The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero have set the dates that we’ll get these funds as January 2026. That timing determines when we’re able to make payments to you – which is why we can’t send a first instalment in December as we have in previous years.
“We know how important this support is, especially through the winter. That’s why we’ve been working closely with the Government and Ofgem for months to minimise delays and make sure you still receive the full amount as quickly as possible.”
The money will be paid as a lump sum rather than being split over the winter months as some had previously. Those eligible do not have to apply for the payment, and the funds will be sent automatically to your electricity meter.
Alternatively, recipients can transfer the money to their gas meter using the ‘Transfer Credit’ feature on the My Utilita app. If you have not received your credit by January 28, you should contact Utilita to inform them.
If you pay by Direct Debit or pay on receipt of your bill, your £150 will be credited to your energy account.
Those who do not have a smart meter will instead receive £150 worth of vouchers in the post.
Core 1:
You’ll be in this group if you receive the guaranteed portion of Pension Credit. The DWP informs Utilita who is in this group, and everyone gets the payment.
If you’re in this group and have a live electricity supply with Utilita on the qualification date (August 24, 2025), you’ll receive a letter confirming this from the DWP. If you are living with another supplier on this date, you’ll need to contact them regarding your Warm Home Discount.
Core 2:
Those who qualify will receive one of the following benefits:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment & Support Allowance
- Housing Benefit
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit Savings Credit (PCSC).
The DWP decides who qualifies for the Warm Home Discount, not Utilita. If you believe you meet the criteria but haven’t received a letter or notification, you’ll need to contact the DWP helpline to check or challenge your eligibility decision.
You may be asked to confirm details about your household, benefits, or energy account before a decision can be reviewed. The helpline can be reached on 0800 030 9322.