Warm Home Discount

If you receive Pension Credit or another means-tested benefit, you might be entitled to a £150 reduction on your electricity bill through the Warm Home Discount scheme.

What is the Warm Home Discount?

The Warm Home Discount is a one-off payment of £150 to help with the cost of energy during the winter. It's designed to make things a bit easier if you're living on a low income or pension.

If your electricity supplier is part of the Warm Home Discount scheme then you don't need to apply for it – you'll get the payment automatically if you or your partner receive the Guarantee Credit or Savings Credit element of Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Universal Credit.

Getting a Warm Home Discount doesn't affect your entitlement to a Winter Fuel Payment or the Cold Weather Payment.

How much is the Warm Home Discount?

If you're eligible for Warm Home Discount, you'll get £150 off your bills in winter.

The money won't be paid to you directly – it'll be added as credit to your electricity account. This usually happens between October and March.

You might be able to get the discount applied to your gas bill if you're a dual-fuel customer (you have a combined plan for gas and electricity with the same supplier). If you use a prepayment meter, you'll probably be given a top-up voucher.

Some suppliers also offer indirect help to customers as part of the Warm Home Discount scheme. This might include advice on using less energy and help with reducing energy-related debts.

Am I eligible for the Warm Home Discount?

To qualify for the Warm Home Discount, you or your partner must have an account with a participating electricity supplier and, on a qualifying date, must be claiming one of the following:

• the Guarantee Credit or Savings Credit element of Pension Credit
• Housing Benefit or
• Universal Credit.

For winter 2026/27 the qualifying date is 23 August 2026.

How to claim the Warm Home Discount

Most eligible households will receive the Warm Home Discount automatically.

If you're eligible, you'll receive a letter between November and January telling you about the discount. Then, your electricity supplier will automatically apply the discount to your bill by the end of March. 

If you haven't received a letter by mid-January and you think you're eligible, then you can contact the Warm Home Discount helpline on 0800 030 9322. You should make sure you get in touch with the helpline by 26 February 2027.

What if I switch energy suppliers?

If your electricity supplier isn't part of the Warm Home Discount scheme, you could consider switching to a participating supplier. But switching may not actually save you money, depending on the deal you're offered.

Equally, a new supplier you're considering switching to might not participate in the Warm Home Discount scheme, so it's important to factor that in if you currently receive it.

It's a good idea to seek impartial advice if you're thinking about switching energy suppliers. Call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.

Find out which suppliers participate in the Warm Home Discount Scheme on GOV.UK

What other support is available?

If you're worried about rising energy costs, then it's a good idea to check you're claiming all the benefits you're entitled to – claiming certain benefits may help you qualify for some energy efficiency schemes or hardship funds.

You can also ask your local council about the Crisis and Resilience Fund if you need help to cover the cost of food, clothing or utilities.

Find your local council using the directory on GOV.UK