State pensioners to get free £150 in their bank account - and it's automatic

State pensioners are set to receive an automatic £150 boost in their bank accounts. The Warm Home Discount, first introduced by the Government in April 2011, is designed to assist eligible customers in England, Scotland and Wales with their winter energy bills.

The scheme aims to provide support for those living on low incomes or pensions. If you qualify for the winter 2024/25 payment, your one-off £150 discount will be applied by the end of March next year at the latest.

British Gas has explained that the discount will be added to your electricity account as a credit. "And if you're on Pay as you go, we'll send you a voucher you can use to top up your meter at a Post Office," the energy company said.

"If you're one of our Pay As You Go smart meter customers, we'll even send it directly to your meter as a credit and send you an email to let you know it's on there. If we can't get it directly to your meter as quickly as we'd like, we'll send you a voucher to top up from a Post Office.

"That way you'll still get your discount as soon as possible. With a pay-as-you-go smart meter it's easier to see how much energy you use in pounds and pence and you can top up from wherever you like, whenever you like. If you don't already have a smart meter, you can find out more and book an upgrade."

The Government's website provides detailed information on the qualifying benefits for those who may be eligible for the discount. In England and Wales, eligible individuals will receive a letter from the Government confirming their eligibility, reports Birmingham Live.

The criteria for the Warm Home Discount remain unchanged from the previous year. To be eligible, you must either be receiving the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit or