Millions of households will receive £150 for heating: who is eligible.

According to The Sun: This month, millions of households will receive letters confirming that they can receive a payment of £150 this winter.

Support for low-income households is provided through the 'Warm Home' program, which helps cover energy bill costs.

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This one-time payment is typically provided from October to March.

Most households meeting the criteria will receive payments automatically, but in Scotland, you will likely need to apply.

Energy companies such as OVO and EDF have already opened their applications for this group.

Some households may not receive a letter even if they are eligible for a payment.

Who is eligible for the payment?

If you live in England or Wales, you may receive a payment if you receive the guaranteed part of pension credit or certain types of social support.

These types of support include:

• Housing benefit
• Income-related Jobseeker's Allowance (ESA)
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
• Income support
• Part of pension credit for savings
• Universal credit

You or your partner must be listed on the electricity bill as of August 24, 2025.

You must also have been receiving the aforementioned types of support or guaranteed part of pension credit on that date.

If you are eligible, expect a letter from the government between now and December.

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An online tool to check eligibility will soon be available so you can find out if you qualify for the 'Warm Home' program.

In some cases, the government may contact you for additional information.

This information must be submitted by February 27, 2026, to retain eligibility for the discount.

In Scotland, things work a bit differently.

Those receiving the guaranteed part of pension credit will receive the discount automatically.

However, if you receive one of the listed types of support, you will need to apply to your energy supplier.

The 'Warm Home' program was expanded earlier this year to include about 2.7 million additional low-income households.

This was made possible by the cancellation of previous criteria regarding 'fuel poverty,' which required high energy costs to qualify for the discount.

Now about 6.1 million households will be able to benefit from this discount this winter.

How to receive the payment?

The £150 payment will be given as a discount on your energy bill rather than in cash.

If you pay monthly, the discount will be applied to your electricity bill.

The amount includes VAT, so your bill will show a credit of £142.86 before VAT is applied.

Additionally, a credit of £7.14 will be displayed in the VAT section of your bill.

If you have a smart 'Pay As You Go' device, the credit will go directly onto your meter.

Otherwise, you will receive a voucher to pay energy bills by mail, along with instructions for use.

You may also be sent one of these vouchers if you have a traditional 'Pay As You Go' meter.

How to apply – and what to do if you haven't received a letter?

You should receive a letter confirming your eligibility, after which the payment will be automatically transferred.

The Sun previously reported that letters will begin to be sent out from October 20.

If you live in Scotland and need to apply, do so through your energy supplier.

Search Google for 'Warm Home' and your energy supplier – you should find a page to apply.

If you are eligible for an automatic payment but have not received a letter by mid-January 2026, call the government hotline.

The hotline will be operational from October 27, 2025.

The deadline for inquiries is February 27, 2026.

The hotline number is not active yet, but will likely be 0800 030 9322, and you can call Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 6 PM.

You can also send a letter to the 'Warm Home' program at:

110552 Warm Home Discount Scheme

PO Box 14127

Selkirk

TD7 9AH.

What assistance is available for energy bills?

There are several ways to get help with paying your energy bills if you are struggling.

If you are in debt, contact your supplier to see if they can offer a repayment plan.

This will allow you to pay back the debt in installments over time.

If the proposed plan does not suit you, contact them again to try to find a better option.

Various energy companies have programs for consumers who are having trouble paying their bills.

However, eligibility criteria may vary by supplier, and the amount you can receive depends on your financial situation.

For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers in payment difficulties may receive grants of up to £2000.

British Gas also offers support through its Energy Fund and Family Fund.

There is no need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.

EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy, and Scottish Power also provide grants for customers facing difficulties.

Many vulnerable households do not receive extra support without signing up for the Priority Services Register (PSR).

This service supports vulnerable households, such as the elderly or those with illnesses.

Some offerings include advance notice of disconnections, free gas appliance checks, and additional support as needed.

Contact your energy supplier to find out about available assistance options.