Benefits Robin

Warm Home Discount

The Warm Home Discount is a £150 annual discount applied directly to your electricity bill, designed to help with energy costs during the winter months. The scheme runs each year between October and March. It is funded by energy suppliers and administered in partnership with the DWP.

There are two routes to eligibility. The "core group" includes people receiving Pension Credit Guarantee Credit — if you are in this group, the discount is usually applied automatically with no action needed from you. The DWP identifies eligible households and notifies energy suppliers directly. You may receive a letter confirming the discount has been applied.

The "broader group" covers people on low income who receive other qualifying benefits and have high energy costs. Since the 2022 scheme changes, eligibility for this group is calculated using a combination of benefit data and property energy efficiency data. If the DWP determines that you are eligible based on these criteria, the discount is applied automatically — you no longer need to apply through your energy supplier.

The discount applies to electricity bills only, not gas. If you have a standard electricity meter, the £150 is credited to your account. If you use a prepaid (pay-as-you-go) meter, the discount is applied as a top-up or voucher. The Warm Home Discount is separate from the Winter Fuel Payment and Cold Weather Payments — you can receive all three if you qualify.

Maximum amount

£150/year

Means-tested

Yes

Age group

Any age

Processing time

Applied between October and March each year

Key Requirements

  • 1Receiving Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, or
  • 2Low income and high energy costs

How to Apply

  1. 1If you receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, the discount is usually applied automatically — no action is needed
  2. 2If you are on a low income and receive other qualifying benefits, your energy supplier may contact you or you may want to check your eligibility
  3. 3The scheme runs from October to March each year

What you may need

  • An active electricity account with a participating energy supplier
  • Pension Credit Guarantee Credit award (for automatic qualification)
  • For the broader group: proof of qualifying benefit and low income

Helpful tips

  • If you receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, the discount is typically applied automatically — check your electricity bill between October and March
  • The discount applies to electricity bills only, not gas
  • If you use a prepaid meter, the discount is applied as a top-up to your meter

Official page

GOV.UK →

Evidence You May Need

Essential

Electricity account details

Your electricity account number and supplier name

Essential

Pension Credit letter

Award letter confirming Pension Credit Guarantee Credit (for automatic qualification)

Recommended

Qualifying benefit proof

Award letter for other qualifying benefits if not on Pension Credit

Related Benefits

Pension Credit

Tops up weekly income for people over State Pension age.

Up to £218.15/wk (couple)

Council Tax Reduction

Reduction on Council Tax for people on low income or receiving certain benefits.

Up to 100% discount

Housing Benefit

Help with rent for people on low income.

Varies by area

Frequently Asked Questions

Who may be eligible for the Warm Home Discount?
People receiving Pension Credit Guarantee Credit are in the "core group" and typically qualify automatically. The "broader group" includes people on low income who receive qualifying benefits and live in properties with high energy costs. Since 2022, eligibility for the broader group is determined automatically using DWP benefit data and property energy ratings.
Do I need to apply for the Warm Home Discount?
In most cases, no. If you receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, the discount is applied automatically. For the broader group, the DWP now determines eligibility automatically and notifies your energy supplier. You may receive a letter confirming the discount. If you think you are eligible and have not received it, contact your energy supplier.
When is the Warm Home Discount applied?
The discount is applied between October and March each year. It is a one-off £150 discount on your electricity bill for that winter. The exact timing depends on when your energy supplier processes the payments after being notified by the DWP.
Does the Warm Home Discount affect my other benefits?
No. The Warm Home Discount does not count as income and does not affect any other benefits you receive, including Pension Credit, Universal Credit, or Housing Benefit. It is simply a reduction on your electricity bill.
Can I get the Warm Home Discount, Winter Fuel Payment, and Cold Weather Payment?
Yes. These are three separate schemes and you can receive all of them if you qualify. The Winter Fuel Payment (up to £300) is for people over State Pension age. Cold Weather Payments (£25 per cold spell) are for people on qualifying benefits during periods of very cold weather. The Warm Home Discount (£150) is on top of these.

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Important: Benefits Robin is not affiliated with the DWP or UK Government. We provide information and assistance, not legal or financial advice. These are estimates based on your answers. Final decisions are made by the DWP.