UK households have just one week left to 'unlock' a £150 energy bill discount

There is just one week left to make a five-minute check that unlocks a £150 energy bill discount. Households have just one week left to apply for a key benefit and ensure they receive a £150 energy bill discount in the form of the Warm Home Discount this winter.

A number of energy firms have started issuing the payment but it's not too late to qualify for the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) scheme. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, which administers the £150 Warm Home Discount, says households must have had an active claim for any of the qualifying benefits on Sunday, August 11.

Guaranteed credit element of pension credit, income support, income-based jobseeker's allowance, income-related employment and support allowance and housing benefit complete the list alongside Universal Credit, child tax credit and working tax credits.

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The "Savings Credit" part of pension credit wraps up the list. However, even if you weren't receiving Pension Credit on the qualifying date of August 11, there's a trick you can follow to ensure that you get the extra cash later.

It means you need to launch your claim by Sunday, November 10 and then successfully get it backdated to cover the August 11 Warm Home Discount qualifying date. The government explains: "The Warm Home Discount Scheme is a one-off £150 discount off your electricity bill.

"If you’re eligible, your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill. The money is not paid to you. You’ll usually get the discount automatically if you’re eligible. You only need to apply if you’re on a low income in Scotland - contact your energy supplier to apply.

"You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity and you’re eligible. Contact your supplier to find out."