Millions of people are getting letters through the post telling them they’ll get £150 off their energy bill this winter. The Warm Home Discount is a lifeline for households struggling with rising prices.
But when there’s free money involved, scammers aren’t far behind.
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So before you act on anything, here’s how to check what’s genuine and what to do if it’s not.
Who gets the £150 Warm Home Discount
The Warm Home Discount is a government payment that helps with winter energy costs. It’s taken off your electricity bill automatically between October 2025 and March 2026 if you’re eligible.
In short:
- England and Wales: You’ll normally get it automatically if you’re on a means-tested benefit (like Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, or Pension Credit) and your name was on your electricity bill on 24 August 2025.
- Scotland: You’ll get it automatically if you get the “guarantee element” of Pension Credit. Others may still qualify but need to apply through their energy supplier.
- Northern Ireland: Sadly, there isn’t a Warm Home Discount scheme there.
When the letters are being sent
Letters are arriving from now until early January 2026. They tell you whether you’ll get the payment automatically or if you need to confirm anything.
In Scotland, if you automatically qualify, you’ll get a letter too. But if you have to apply, you won’t.
How to tell if your letter is genuine
Real letters come by post. The government only sends physical letters, which land on your door mat.
If you get anything by text, email or phone claiming it’s from Warm Home Discount – it is fake.
If the letter says you qualify automatically, you don’t need to do anything. You don’t need to reply, call anyone or fill out forms.
However, if the letter says that you need to confirm details, you’ll be told to call a government helpline. Your letter will include a unique code and the real number to ring. The helpline will never ask for your bank details or send you any links.
In any communication, don’t click links or ring random numbers. If you get a message about it, use the contact details on your energy bill or your supplier’s official website.
If you think you should’ve received a letter but haven’t by early January, call the official Warm Home Discount helpline on 0800 030 9322 (open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday). You need to do this before 28 February 2026.
How the £150 will be paid
- Direct Debit or billed customers: £150 will be added as credit to your energy account.
- Smart prepay meters: The money will be added automatically to your meter.
- Traditional prepay meters: You’ll get a top-up voucher by post, email or text. Always double-check it’s from your supplier before using it. You’ll usually redeem it at a Post Office or PayPoint shop with photo ID.
What to do if you’ve been scammed
Call 159 straight away if you’ve given bank details. It connects you directly to your bank’s fraud department.
Report it to Action Fraud (0300 123 2040) in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, or to Consumer Advice Scotland (0808 164 6000) if you live in Scotland.
You can also get extra help from Citizens Advice.
Skint Dad says:
Every year, scammers come up with new ways to take advantage of people just trying to keep warm and keep up. If you get a message about the Warm Home Discount, pause before you act. A real letter will come through the post, not your email inbox. Always check before you click, and if in doubt, contact your supplier directly using a number you’ve found yourself.
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