DWP could expand free bonus payments worth £150 to these two benefits

The Department for Work and Pensions is issuing free £150 payments to households via their energy companies.

The Warm Home Discount from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) could be expanded with MORE people set to get it in a major boosts. The Department for Work and Pensions is issuing free £150 payments to households via their energy companies.

Warm Home Discount is aimed at supporting those on the lowest incomes and living in properties that are considered "relatively high cost to heat" and could be extended. In 2022, the eligibility was shaken up, to provide more rebates automatically to low income households in England and Wales.

The then Conservative Party government said the annual payments are predominantly directed at those on the lowest incomes who receive means-tested benefits and living in a property estimated to be “relatively high cost to heat”.

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But Labour MP Marsha De Cordova has now called on the Energy Secretary to expand eligibility, so as to include people in receipt of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA). In a written response on Monday, Miatta Fahnbulleh, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, said: “The Warm Home Discount Scheme is currently focused to provide support towards those on lowest incomes who receive means-tested benefits and live in a property estimated to be relatively high cost to heat.

“This winter’s scheme was launched today, 14 October, and we expect it again to support over three million households. We are exploring options to improve the design of the scheme beyond the current regulations which expire in 2026.” The guidance for winter 2024/25 has now been updated by DWP on GOV.UK and confirms that the qualifying date for this year's payment was August 11, 2024.

In both eligibility groups, DWP will make an assessment of your energy costs based on the property you live in. They will then write to you and confirm if you are eligible from November. The scheme is now open across Great Britain.

Most people in England and Wales will receive a letter automatically from the DWP between October and mid-January advising them if they are eligible for the scheme. This letter will confirm whether or not they need to apply for it.