What is the Warm Home Discount and how can I apply?
Last updated:
7 August 2026
With gas and electricity bills staying high, it’s worth finding out whether you qualify for the Warm Home Discount where you get a £150 discount on your winter energy bills that is available in England, Scotland and Wales. A recent expansion of the criteria means more people are eligible, and the scheme has been confirmed to run until Winter 2030/31.
What is the Warm Home Discount?
The Warm Home Discount is a government-backed scheme that offers a reduction of £150 off your electricity bill for the winter period between October and March.
The money isn’t paid directly to you. Instead, a discount is applied to your electricity bill. You could get also money off your gas bill if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity (known as a dual fuel tariff).
How do I know if I qualify?
From Winter 2025/26 more people were eligible to get the £150 discount. Now every billpayer who gets certain benefits will qualify. Previously, you would need to get certain benefits AND earn under a certain amount.
Your name must be on the bill
To be eligible, your name MUST be on your bill. If you move home or switch supplier, you might not be named on your bill. To qualify for the Warm Home Discount, the eligible benefit claimant must be named on the electricity bill by 23 August 2026.
If somebody else manages your benefits their name must be on the bill
You can also get the Warm Home Discount if someone who is in charge of your benefits or makes decisions for you has their name on the bill.
Which benefits do I need to get to be eligible?
To get the discount your name must be on your bill AND get:
- Pension Credit (savings OR guarantee element)
- Universal Credit.
I am eligible but only my partner’s name is on our bill
Your name must be on the bill to get the discount. Contact your supplier to add your name to your energy bill.
I think I am eligible for Pension Credit but haven’t applied
You must apply and have a successful claim. To qualify for the Warm Home Discount, the eligible benefit claimant must be named on the electricity bill by 23 August 2026. Pension Credit can be backdated by a maximum of three months. This means that last year, if you applied for Pension Credit before 23 November and were successful, you could get the Warm Home Discount from your supplier.
But Pension Credit is not automatically backdated. This means you have to request backdating on your claim form. For information about Pension Credit – including how to claim and if you’re eligible see our Pension Credit guide.
After you apply you will get a letter from the DWP with a decision. If you are successful you should call the Warm Home Discount helpline on: 0800 030 9322 telling them you think you are newly eligible.
I am eligible for Universal Credit but haven’t applied
If you are under State Pension age and you think you could get Universal Credit, you must apply and have a successful claim to get the Warm Home Discount. To qualify, the eligible benefit claimant must be named on the electricity bill by 23 August 2026. Universal Credit can only be backdated by one month.
But Universal Credit is not automatically backdated. This means you have to request backdating. For information about Universal Credit – including how to claim and if you’re eligible, see our Universal Credit explained guide.
Is the Warm Home discount available throughout the UK?
No. It is not available in Northern Ireland. If you’re a homeowner or a private renter in Northern Ireland and have a household income of less than £23,000, find out more about the affordable warmth schemeOpens in a new window in Northern Ireland.
Find out more about energy efficiency in Northern Ireland
If you are eligible you should receive a letter
If you are eligible you should get a letter between October and December 2026. The letter will confirm if you are eligible for an automatic rebate or advise you to call a helpline to check if you are eligible.
What happens if I don’t get a letter?
If you don’t automatically qualify for Warm Home Discount, it might be because the government doesn’t have enough information. You might be asked for documents to prove your eligibility: like an energy bill with your name on it or proof that you receive benefits.
How do I apply for the Warm Home Discount?
If you’re with an energy supplier that doesn’t offer Warm Home Discount, but you still qualify for it, you can switch to a company that provides it but before you switch check that their tariff is costs the same or ideally less than your current tariff.
Most energy companies do have Warm Home Discount, you can find a list of suppliersOpens in a new window on GOV.UK.
The Warm Home Discount is available to you if you live in a park home, however you will need to apply for it. More details about the discount is availableOpens in a new window on GOV.UK.
I live in Scotland, how do I apply?
The payment is now automatic in Scotland if you get certain means-tested benefits such as Pension Credit or Universal Credit.
Which energy companies offer the Warm Home Discount?
Most energy suppliers do offer this discount. However, not all suppliers take part in the Warm Home Discount scheme.
If you qualify for the discount and your current supplier doesn’t offer it, you might want to switch supplier to one who does.
Find out about those companies offering this Warm Home Discount SchemeOpens in a new window on GOV.UK.
What if I have a pre-pay or pay-as-you-go meter?
If you use a pre-pay or pay-as-you-go meter, you can still qualify for the discount. Make sure you let your electricity supplier know and providing you are eligible, they will automatically apply the discount.
Read more about the Warm Home Discount SchemeOpens in a new window on GOV.UK.
Will the Warm Home Discount affect a cold weather payment or my winter fuel payment?
No, payment of a Warm Home Discount does not affect your entitlement to a Winter Fuel Payment or Cold Weather Payment.
Find out more about cold weather paymentsOpens in a new window and winter fuel paymentsOpens in a new window on GOV.UK.
