# Am I eligible for the Warm Home Discount?

> Eligibility · Last reviewed 26 May 2026

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## In short

The Warm Home Discount gives a one-off £150 reduction on your winter electricity bill. In England and Wales it is mostly automatic for Core Group 1 (Pension Credit Guarantee Credit) and Core Group 2 (qualifying means-tested benefits). Scotland operates a separate Core and Broader Group scheme.

Since 2022/23 the English & Welsh scheme is automatic — you don't apply if you qualify. DWP and your energy supplier match data and apply the credit. Scotland still uses an application-based scheme.

Typical amount: £150 one-off credit on your electricity bill (between October and March)

## Who usually qualifies

- England & Wales: receiving Pension Credit Guarantee Credit on the qualifying date (Core Group 1)
- England & Wales: receiving a qualifying means-tested benefit with your name on the electricity bill (Core Group 2 — automatic from 2025/26)
- Scotland: Core Group (Pension Credit Guarantee Credit) — automatic via DWP
- Scotland Broader Group: low income with disability or children — apply to your energy supplier

## Who usually does not

- Your energy supplier isn't in the scheme (smaller suppliers may be exempt)
- You don't have an electricity account in your name (e.g. landlord-paid heating)
- You don't meet the means-test or energy-cost criteria for your nation

## How to check

- Current eligibility rules and the qualifying date are at gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme
- In England & Wales the discount is generally applied automatically; the helpline for missing or queried letters is 0800 030 9322
- In Scotland, applications are made directly to the household's energy supplier

## Frequently asked questions

### Do I have to apply in England & Wales?

Not usually — eligibility is matched automatically using your benefit and property data. If you think you qualify but don't receive a letter by mid-January, call the WHD helpline.

### Can I get it if I use prepayment?

Yes — the supplier will provide a voucher you can redeem at a PayPoint or similar outlet.

### Does it affect other benefits?

No. The WHD doesn't count as income for any benefits or Pension Credit.

## Sources

- [GOV.UK — Warm Home Discount](https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme)
- [mygov.scot — Warm Home Discount (Scotland)](https://www.mygov.scot/help-energy-costs/warm-home-discount-scheme)

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Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.