The deadline to apply for this year’s Warm Home Discount is approaching, with eligible households urged to ensure their names are correctly registered on their energy accounts by August 23. The United Kingdom’s Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) administers the scheme, which provides a £150 credit applied directly to energy bills during the winter months.

This year, approximately six million households are expected to benefit from the discount. Eligibility is generally based on receipt of certain means-tested government benefits, including Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Housing Benefit. However, to qualify, the name of the person receiving these benefits must appear on the electricity account by the specified deadline.

Energy suppliers use the names on accounts to verify eligibility. If the qualifying individual is not listed—such as in cases of recent house moves, changes in household composition, or for users of pre-payment meters where the registered name differs—the household risks missing out on the relief. Officials emphasize that even small administrative errors can lead to disqualification.

Energy bills are forecast to increase starting in October, with estimates suggesting a rise between 2% and 7%, making the Warm Home Discount an important financial support for vulnerable households. Recipients are encouraged to confirm their account details promptly and to contact their energy supplier to update the account if necessary before the August 23 cutoff.

In addition to individual verification, the DWP recommends that people check on behalf of relatives and friends who may qualify, highlighting that many who are eligible fail to claim the discount due to such oversights. The department stresses that a quick review of account names could safeguard the benefit for millions facing rising energy costs this winter.