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Eligibility · Warm Home Discount

Am I eligible for the Warm Home Discount?

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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.

Last reviewed:

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

You likely qualify if…

  • 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

You likely don't if…

  • 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 and claim

  1. 01Current eligibility rules and the qualifying date are at gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme
  2. 02In England & Wales the discount is generally applied automatically; the helpline for missing or queried letters is 0800 030 9322
  3. 03In Scotland, applications are made directly to the household's energy supplier

FAQ

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.
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