Pensioners issued £150 energy bill update after discount eligibility expanded

Pensioners issued £150 energy bill update after discount eligibility expanded Millions of people will qualify to receive help with their energy bills after eligibility was extended Campaigners have told the government people should not have to choose between "health and heat" amid soaring energy prices. The government has extended the essential Warm Home Discount to cover more people this winter. Pensioner's charity Age UK has welcomed the news that every household that receives a means-tested benefit will qualify for the £150 payment in 2026-27 and not just some as in the past. However it says more needs to be done, including raising the money to £200. It told supporters in an email: "As winter approaches, energy prices are set to rise by 4% from October and will be even higher by January. Many of you have shared how times are already tough and money is already tight, so I know how worrying this news must be. "This is why my colleagues and I are urging the Government to put more support in place now to help heat homes this winter. The Warm Home Discount is essential help offered to people on means-tested benefits who are struggling to heat their home." It continued: "I recently shared the good news that the Warm Home Discount has been expanded to any household that receives a means-tested benefit, rather than just some. But the Government must do more. Because no one should ever have to choose between their health and their heating bill. "So my colleagues and I are calling on ministers to raise the Warm Home Discount to at least £200, as well as making it easier for people on low incomes to get additional support from their energy supplier and their local council. The Government must commit to this when they announce the Budget on 28 October. "Beyond this Budget, Age UK also wants to see the Warm Home Discount changed to reach even more households on low incomes – not just those claiming means-tested benefits. Together, I'm determined that we can make this happen." The government Warm Homes Discount is a one-off discount off a household energy bill. The government website explains those eligible will have the money discounted from their bill automatically. Those living in Scotland might have to apply directly to their supplier. It does not affect any Cold Weather Payment or Winter Fuel Payment. Who is eligible England and Wales In England and Wales you may qualify if on August 23, 2026 all of the following applied: - your energy supplier is part of the scheme - you (or your partner) get certain means-tested benefits - your name (or your partner’s) is on the electricity bill Qualifying benefits in England and Wales The qualifying means-tested benefits are: - Universal Credit - Housing Benefit - income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) - Pension Credit Scotland In Scotland you may be eligible if all of the following applied on August 23, 2026: - your energy supplier is part of the scheme - you (or your partner) get certain means-tested benefits - your name (or your partner’s) is on the electricity bill Qualifying benefits in Scotland For some qualifying benefits, you’ll get the discount automatically. For others, you will need to apply directly to your energy supplier. You’ll get the discount automatically if you or your partner: - get Pension Credit - get an extra amount of Universal Credit because you or your child has a disability or health condition - get a disability premium or a pensioner premium of income-related Employment Support Allowance - get a disability premium or a pensioner premium and have a Support for Mortgage Interest loan You’ll also get the discount automatically if you or your partner has responsibility for a child under 5 who normally lives with you and you: - are unemployed and get Universal Credit - get Income-related Employment Support Allowance - have a Support for Mortgage Interest loan If you do not get the discount automatically, you’ll need to apply directly to your energy supplier. Your electricity supplier may have extra eligibility criteria. They’ll also tell you which benefits mean you are eligible. Where to get advice Anyone worried about their energy bills, can visit the Age UK website for more information or use its free benefits calculator to see if any extra help might be available. To speak to someone instead or for support, call Age UK's Advice Line at 0800 169 65 65, available 365 days a year from 8am to 7pm.