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How-to · Step-by-step

How to claim the Warm Home Discount

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In short. In England and Wales, eligible pensioners (Core Group 1) and households on qualifying means-tested benefits (Core Group 2) receive £150 off electricity automatically — check your supplier has your correct details. Scotland still has a separate broader-group application route.

The Warm Home Discount takes £150 off your electricity bill between October and March. In England and Wales from 2025/26, there is no supplier application window for most eligible households — Core Group 1 (Pension Credit Guarantee Credit) and Core Group 2 (qualifying means-tested benefits) are identified through data matching and the credit is applied by your supplier. Scotland operates differently, with a broader group that requires applying to your supplier.

Last reviewed:

·Estimated time: 28 days

The steps

  1. 01

    Check whether you qualify in England or Wales

    Core Group 1 covers people receiving the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit on the qualifying date — you should receive a letter. Core Group 2 covers households where you (or your partner) receive a qualifying means-tested benefit and your name is on the electricity bill. For 2025/26 the qualifying date was 24 August 2025; dates change each scheme year.

    Official link →

  2. 02

    Confirm your energy supplier participates

    Most licensed electricity suppliers in Great Britain offer the scheme, but smaller suppliers may not. Check your supplier's website or contact them directly. Your supplier on the qualifying date is responsible for paying the rebate even if you switch later.

    Official link →

  3. 03

    Wait for automatic payment or contact your supplier if eligible but missed

    In England and Wales you do not apply for Core Group 1 or 2 — your supplier applies the £150 credit to your electricity account between October and March if data matching confirms eligibility. If you believe you qualify but have not received the discount by spring, contact your supplier or the Warm Home Discount helpline.

  4. 04

    If you live in Scotland, check broader group rules

    Scotland has Core Group 1 (Pension Credit Guarantee Credit) plus a broader group for other low-income households. Broader group applicants must apply directly to their supplier when applications open — funds are limited and close quickly. Check gov.uk for Scotland-specific guidance.

    Official link →

  5. 05

    Receive confirmation from your supplier

    If approved or automatically matched, your supplier applies the discount to your electricity account between October and March. The discount appears as a credit on your bill or a voucher for prepayment meters. Processing times vary by supplier.

  6. 06

    Use prepayment meter vouchers correctly

    If you have a prepayment meter, the discount usually arrives as a top-up voucher or credit key rather than a bill reduction. Follow the supplier's instructions to redeem it at a PayPoint or compatible outlet. Vouchers typically expire if not used within a set period.

    Official link →

Common pitfalls

  • Assuming you must apply in England and Wales — Core Group 1 and 2 rebates are automatic if you meet the criteria on the qualifying date
  • Assuming the discount applies to gas bills — the Warm Home Discount is an electricity credit, though some suppliers offer an equivalent gas discount separately
  • Not updating your supplier if your benefit claim or bill payer details change before the qualifying date

FAQ

Do I need to apply if I get Pension Credit?
If you receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit (Core Group 1), the discount is applied automatically in England and Wales — check your supplier has your correct details. Core Group 2 households on qualifying means-tested benefits are also matched automatically. If you qualify but did not receive the discount, contact your supplier or the Warm Home Discount helpline.
Can I get the discount if I am on a fixed tariff?
Yes. The Warm Home Discount is separate from your tariff and applies as a one-off credit regardless of whether you are on a fixed or variable deal.
What if my supplier goes bust?
If your supplier fails during the scheme year, your new supplier should honour the discount if you were already approved. Contact the supplier of last resort or your new supplier with your approval reference.
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