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

Warm Home Discount Scheme (England, Scotland, Wales)

The Warm Home Discount Scheme gives £150 off electricity bills in winter 2025/26.The scheme runs from October to March, and energy providers usually start accepting applications from the end of September.

Some people who didn't get help last winter might be able to get help in winter 2025/26.

The scheme is different in Scotland compared to England and Wales.

The scheme is not available in Northern Ireland. However some people can get energy efficiency and fuel poverty support through the Affordable Warmth Scheme. 

Energy, bills, and benefit support in Liverpool

England and Wales

Who qualifies for the Warm Home Discount Scheme?

To be eligible, you or your partner must be named on your electricity bill and get one of the qualifying benefits:

• Universal Credit
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
• Income Support
• Housing Benefit
• Pension Credit (including both Guarantee Credit and Savings Pension Credit elements)

To get the Warm Home Discount automatically in winter 2025/26, you or your partner must be named on the electricity bill by Sunday 24th August.

If you aren't named on the electricity bill by this date don't worry. You can apply for the Warm Home Discount in autumn when you receive your confirmation letter. 

Pre-pay meters

If you have a pre-pay or pay-as you go electricity meter, you can still get the discount if you're eligible. Check with your electricity supplier that you're named on the bill.

How do I apply for the Warm Homes Discount?

You'll get a letter between October 2025 and early January 2026 telling you:

• You're eligible and you'll get the discount automatically; or
• You might be eligible, and you need to give more information. The letter will tell you to call the helpline by the end of February 2025 to confirm your details. 

If you don't get the letter by early January 2026 and you think you're eligible, you need to call the helpline by the end of February 2026.

Warm Home Discount Scheme helpline: 

• Telephone - 0800 030 9322 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm) usually open from mid-November.

If you're eligible, your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill by 31 March 2026. 

Park (mobile) homes

The Park Homes Warm Home Discount scheme will open for applications from 27 August 2025.

Scotland

Who can get the Warm Home Discount?

There are two groups who can get the Warm Home Discount: the core group and the broader group.

• Core group: pension age people who get Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
   
• Broader group: low income households that are not part of the core group
  • Your energy supplier is part of the scheme
  • You (or your partner) get certain means-tested benefits
  • Your name (or your partner's) is on the electricity bill

In Scotland, some electricity providers might have extra eligibility criteria.

How do I apply for the Warm Home Discount?

If you are in the Core group, there is no need to apply. You'll automatically get a letter telling you about the discount if you're eligible. 

If you are in the Broader Group, you need to apply. Contact your energy company to find out if you're eligible, how to apply and when applications open. The scheme usually opens in October and will have more applicants than places, so make sure you apply as soon as possible.

How is the Warm Home Discount paid?

The Warm Home Discount is a one-off discount of £150 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 each year in early October and runs until the end of March the following year.

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

No, it won't affect Cold Weather Payments, Winter Fuel Payments or other extra cost of living help.