What is the Warm Home Discount?
In simple terms: The Warm Home Discount Scheme gives eligible people £150 off their electricity bill. It's applied directly to your account - you don't get cash.
The scheme runs from October to March each winter. If you're eligible, the discount should be applied automatically - but it depends on your situation and energy supplier.
Who Qualifies?
There are two main groups who qualify. In England and Wales:
Core Group 1 (Automatic)
You'll get the discount automatically if you receive:
- • Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
Your energy supplier and the government share data to find you. No action needed from you.
Core Group 2 (Automatic)
You may get the discount automatically if you receive certain means-tested benefits AND meet the high energy cost threshold:
- • Universal Credit
- • Income Support
- • Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- • Income-related ESA
- • Housing Benefit
- • Child Tax Credit
- • Working Tax Credit
- • Pension Credit Savings Credit
High energy cost threshold: The government uses your property type, location, and household size to estimate if your energy costs are high. If you qualify, you'll get a letter.
Scotland
Scotland has different rules under the Warm Home Discount (Scotland) scheme. If you're in Scotland and on qualifying benefits, check with your energy supplier or call the Home Energy Scotland helpline (0808 808 2282).
How the Discount Works
Applied to Your Bill
The £150 is credited to your electricity account. If you pay by direct debit, your balance goes down. If you prepay, the credit is added to your meter.
Electricity Only
The discount is only on electricity, not gas. If you have a dual fuel account, it still only applies to the electricity part.
One Per Household
Only one discount per household per winter, even if multiple people qualify.
Between October and March
Discounts are applied between October and March. If you're in Core Group 2, you may get a letter asking you to confirm your details.
Do You Need to Apply?
For Most People: No!
Since 2022, the scheme mostly works automatically through data sharing between the DWP and energy suppliers. If you qualify, you should:
- ✓Get the discount applied automatically, OR
- ✓Receive a letter asking you to confirm your details
If You Think You're Missing Out
Contact your energy supplier if:
- • You receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit and haven't heard anything by December
- • Your name on your benefits doesn't match your energy account
- • You've recently switched suppliers
- • You think you qualify but haven't received the discount
If You Have a Prepayment Meter
If you use a prepayment meter (key, card, or smart pay-as-you-go), your supplier will either:
- •Send you a voucher or special top-up code
- •Credit your smart meter automatically
- •Send you a cheque (rarely)
If you get a voucher, redeem it promptly as they have an expiry date.
Other Energy Bill Help
The Warm Home Discount isn't the only help available:
Cold Weather Payments
£25 for each 7-day period of very cold weather if you're on certain benefits.
Check GOV.UK →Energy Company Hardship Funds
Many suppliers have their own schemes to help struggling customers.
Contact your supplierECO4 Scheme
Free home insulation and heating improvements for eligible households.
Check eligibility →Key Points to Remember
- ✓£150 off your electricity bill (not gas)
- ✓Mostly automatic - no need to apply
- ✓Pension Credit Guarantee Credit = automatic qualification
- ✓Other benefits may qualify if you meet the high energy cost criteria
- ✓Applied between October and March
- ✓Contact your supplier if you think you're missing out