Helping Households with Energy Costs: What the Warm Home Discount Scheme Means for You

Winter can be a challenging time for many households, especially with rising energy bills. The government’s Warm Home Discount Scheme aims to ease some of this pressure by offering eligible households £150 off their electricity bill this winter.

What is the Warm Home Discount?

• The scheme provides a one-off £150 discount on your electricity bill (and in some cases, your gas bill).
• You do not receive the money directly — the discount is applied automatically to your bill by your energy supplier.
• If you use a prepayment or “pay-as-you-go” meter, you may receive a voucher or top-up instead.

Who Can Get the Discount?

• Eligibility depends on where you live and your circumstances, but generally:
• In England and Wales, you may qualify if you:
• Receive the “Guarantee Credit” portion of Pension Credit, or
• Are on a low income and receive qualifying means-tested benefits.
• Your name (or your partner’s name) must be on the energy bill.
• Many households are identified automatically. If you’re eligible, you should receive a letter between late October and early January.
• Park home residents can also apply, but follow a slightly different application process.

When Will the Discount Be Applied?
The discount for the 2025/26 winter period will be applied between October and 31 March 2026. If you're eligible and your energy supplier participates in the scheme, the discount will be added automatically.

Why It’s Important
Rising fuel costs continue to affect households across the country. The Warm Home Discount Scheme provides valuable support during the winter months, when heating and electricity use are highest. It is designed to help reduce energy-related financial pressure, especially for pensioners, low-income families, and vulnerable households.

What You Should Do

• Check whether you receive qualifying benefits.
• Ensure your name (or your partner’s name) is on the energy bill.
• Look out for a letter confirming your eligibility between late October and early January.
• If you don’t receive a letter but believe you qualify, contact your energy supplier or the Warm Home Discount helpline on 0800 030 9322.
• If your current energy supplier doesn’t take part in the scheme, you may consider switching — but always compare tariffs carefully to make sure it’s right for you.
  
  More information can be found on the.Gov website here