With winter approaching, it’s worth checking whether you could get help with your energy bills through the Warm Home Discount.
The scheme provides a one-off £150 discount on your electricity bill. It will reopen in October 2026 and, if you’re eligible, your energy supplier will apply the discount directly to your bill. You won’t receive the money as a cash payment.
It’s separate from Winter Fuel Payment
The Warm Home Discount is not the same as the Winter Fuel Payment, and it has different eligibility rules.
The Winter Fuel Payment is a separate payment to help people of State Pension age with their heating costs. For winter 2026/27, eligible people in England and Wales could receive between £100 and £300, depending on their circumstances.
You may be able to receive both payments if you meet the eligibility rules. Receiving the Warm Home Discount does not reduce your Winter Fuel Payment.
Who can get the Warm Home Discount?
For pensioners, receiving Pension Credit can be particularly important. Pension Credit is one of the qualifying benefits for the Warm Home Discount, although the precise eligibility rules vary between England and Wales and Scotland.
In England and Wales, qualifying benefits include Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and certain income-related benefits. The person receiving the qualifying benefit, or their partner, must also be named on the energy bill.
If you receive Pension Credit but haven’t checked whether you’re entitled to the Warm Home Discount, it’s worth finding out.
Check your electricity account
One important thing to check is that your name, or your partner’s name, is on your electricity account.
If you’ve recently moved home, someone else in your household is named on the bill, or you use a prepayment meter, contact your energy supplier to make sure your details are correct.
The Warm Home Discount scheme uses information held by energy suppliers and the Government to identify eligible households, so keeping your account details up to date could help make sure you don’t miss out.
Don’t miss out on Pension Credit
If you’re not currently receiving Pension Credit, it’s worth checking whether you could be entitled.
Pension Credit can provide extra income and may also give you access to other support, including help with energy costs. Even if you own your home or have some savings, you could still qualify depending on your circumstances.
Find out more
The Warm Home Discount operates differently across Great Britain:
- England and Wales: Warm Home Discount Scheme (England and Wales)
- Scotland: Warm Home Discount Scheme (Scotland)
- Northern Ireland: The Warm Home Discount is not available in Northern Ireland. Separate support is available through the Affordable Warmth Scheme.
You can also find out more about the separate Winter Fuel Payment on GOV.UK.
If you’re eligible for more than one form of support, make sure you claim everything you’re entitled to.
