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

Warm Home Discount Scheme (England, Scotland, Wales)

The Warm Home Discount Scheme gives £150 off energy bills over winter 2024 to 2025. The scheme typically runs from October to March, but some energy providers started accepting applications from September 2024.

Some people who did not previously get help might get help now.

Some people who were previously able to get help might not get help anymore.

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

This scheme is not available in Northern Ireland. Read about the Affordable Warmth Scheme in Northern Ireland, which addresses the effects of fuel poverty and energy inefficiency. 

England and Wales

Who qualifies for the Warm Home Discount Scheme?

Core group 1: People who get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit

• You qualify for the discount if on 11 August 2024 all of the following applied:

  • Your energy supplier is part of the scheme 
  • Your name (or your partner’s) is on the electricity bill
  • You (or your partner) get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit (even if you get Savings Credit as well)

Core group 2: other people on a low income

• You may qualify for the discount if on 11 August 2024 all of the following applied:

  • Your energy supplier is part of the scheme
  • You (or your partner) get certain means-tested benefits or tax credits (see below)
  • Your property has a high energy cost score based on its characteristics such as its type, age and floor area
  • Your name (or your partner's) is on the electricity bill

Qualifying benefits and tax credits:

• Universal Credit

• income-related Employment and Support Allowance

• income-based Jobseekers Allowance

• Income Support

• Housing Benefit

• Child Tax Credits

• Working Tax Credits

• Pension Credit savings credit

Pre-pay meters

If you have a pre-pay or pay-as you go electricity meter, you can still get the discount. Your electricity supplier can tell you how you'll get the discount, if you're eligible. 

How do I apply for the Warm Homes Discount?

You'll get a letter between October 2024 and early January 2025 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 28 February 2025 to confirm your details. 

If you don't get the letter by early January 2025 and you think you're eligible, you need to call the helpline by 28 February 2025.

Warm Home Discount Scheme helpline: 

• Telephone - 0800 030 9322 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm) from Thursday 14 November 2024.

If you're eligible, your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill by 31 March 2025. 

Park (mobile) homes

The Park Homes Warm Home Discount scheme for is now open.  

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 guarantee pension 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 or tax credits
  • 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 do need to apply. Contact your energy company to find out if you're eligible, how to apply and when applications open. The scheme 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 or Winter Fuel Payments. It also does not affect the extra cost of living help.