Energy schemes - Warm Home Discount Scheme (England, Scotland, Wales)

Your electricity supplier may have signed up to the Warm Homes Discount Scheme which offers a one-off discount of £140 from your electricity bill.

Who qualifies for the Warm Home Discount Scheme?

• Core group: People who get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit

  • You qualify for the discount if on 7 July 2019 all of the following applied:

  • Your energy supplier was part of the scheme
  • Your name (or your partner’s) was on the bill
  • You were getting the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit (even if you get Savings Credit as well).

• Broader group: People who are on a low income and meet their energy supplier's criteria for the scheme.

Pre-pay meters

If you have a pre-pay or pay-as you go electricity meter, you can still get the discount. If you are eligible, contact your supplier to find out how you will get the discount.

Park (mobile) homes

If you live permanently in a park (mobile) home, use the Park Homes Warm Home Discount application form. Someone will contact you when the 2019-2020 scheme reopens.

How is the Warm Home Discount paid?

The Warm Home Discount is a one-off discount of £140 on your electricity bill. You don't get any money.

If your supplier provides you with gas and electricity, you may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead of your electricity bill. Contact your supplier to find out if you can do this if you are eligible for the discount.

When is it available?

The scheme opens for applications each year in September or October and runs until the end of March the following year.

The Gov.UK website states that the 2019 to 2020 scheme will start on 14 October 2019.

However, some suppliers have already opened their schemes so check your supplier's website or contact them for more information. 

If your supplier's scheme is not yet open, you can often register your interest with them through their websites so they will contact you when more information about the scheme is available.

The number of discounts available are limited to check with your supplier as soon as possible.

How do I apply for the Warm Homes Discount?

If you get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit

You should get a letter telling you how to get the discount if you qualify. This will be sent sometime between October and December 2019. If you don't get a letter and you think you are in the core group, contact the Warm Home Discount Team

If you are on a low income

Contact your supplier to find out if you are eligible and, if so, how to apply.

Does having the Warm Homes Discount affect any other benefits paid to help with cold weather?

No, it won't affect Cold Weather Payments or Winter Fuel Payments.

Further information

The Gov.UK website has information on the Warm Home Discount Scheme

Updated: September 2019