Millions of households have been urged to check their name appears on their electricity bill or risk missing out on a £150 discount this winter.
The Government said eligible customers must be registered as the billpayer by 23 August to receive the Warm Home Discount automatically.
Around six million households across Great Britain are expected to receive the rebate, including approximately 250,000 customers in Scotland who will qualify automatically for the first time.
The scheme covers households where the named billpayer receives means-tested benefits.
In England and Wales, eligible benefits include Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and income-related Employment and Support Allowance.
The Government expanded the scheme last year, resulting in almost one million additional families with children receiving support. Customers who have recently moved home are being advised to check their energy account because the bill may remain in another person’s name.
People using traditional prepayment meters with keys or cards must also ensure the account is properly registered to someone in the household.
Energy suppliers will use customer records as they stand on 23 August to determine who receives the automatic payment.
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said: “Families will be worried about their energy bills this winter and our focus is on giving them breathing space, as we continue to work to bring down bills.
“If you know someone who might benefit, please start spreading the word and encourage them to check they are named on their energy bill.”
The payment comes alongside the removal of VAT from domestic electricity bills from 1 October, which the Government estimates will cut around £45 from the annual Ofgem price cap.
The Warm Home Discount has also been extended until 2030/31, giving eligible households longer-term certainty over the support. Customers do not normally need to apply but those whose name is missing from the electricity account could lose the automatic £150 rebate.
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