Nationwide, Lloyds, NatWest and Santander customers told to check bank accounts in October

Households alerted to possible changes to their monthly bills

People set to get support with their bills this winter are being advised to keep tabs on their bank accounts over the coming weeks. Certain pensioners and low-income households are eligible for the Warm Home Discount which has launched again from October.

The scheme knocks £150 off energy bills one time only over winter. Although the scheme is up and running again for winter 2024/25, there is not a set date for when the Warm Home Discount is applied.

It can happen any time between October and March, depending when your energy supplier decides to do it. The Government should write to those eligible for the financial support.

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But it's a good idea to keep an eye on bank and energy accounts to see if there have been any changes to bills. Those customers who don't pay by direct debit may be given vouchers to be redeemed at post offices.

People eligible for the Warm Home Discount include some of the poorest pensioners - those who get the Guarantee Element of Pension Credit - and low-income households on certain benefits who also have high energy costs. The Government says: "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 can still qualify for the discount if you use a pre-pay or pay-as-you-go electricity meter. Your electricity supplier can tell you how you’ll get the discount if you’re eligible, for example a voucher you can use to top up your meter."

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