Warm Home Discount scheme
Learn about the government-backed Warm Home Discount scheme and why it may be a key consideration when switching energy suppliers.
Under the Warm Home Discount scheme, you could get an £140 discount on your electricity bill to help cover your bills in the winter months.
Key points
- You’re eligible for the Warm Home Discount Scheme if you get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit
- If you’re on a low income, or get certain benefits, you’ll be eligible too
- You’ll get £140 off your electricity bill at the end of March. If you have a prepayment meter, you’ll get credits on your meter instead
- Not all suppliers offer the discount. Only large suppliers have to offer the scheme
Warm Home Discount explained
It’s a one-off £140 discount, applied to your electricity bill, to help you with energy costs between September and March. The discount’s applied to your bill by 31 March. If you use the same supplier for gas and electricity, they may agree to put the discount on your gas bill instead, but you’ll need to contact them and ask.
As long as you meet the requirements, you can still qualify for the discount if you use a prepayment meter. You’ll get a credit on your meter instead of a discount.
The discount won’t affect any other schemes or discounts you get, such as Cold Weather Payments or Winter Fuel Payments.
Warm Home Discount Scheme eligibility
If you’re on a low income, certain benefits (such as PIP) or get the Guaranteed Credit element of Pension Credit, you’ll be eligible. If you get the Guaranteed Credit element of Pension Credit, you’re part of the ‘core group’ that are eligible. If you’re on a low income, and get means-tested benefits, you’re part of the ‘broader group.’
Whether you can get the discount depends on who your supplier is too. Suppliers with low customer numbers don’t have to be part of the scheme – something to think about when you compare energy tariffs. If you’re thinking about switching suppliers, you’ll need to stay
Applying for the discount
Core group
If you’re part of the core group, you’ll be sent a letter between October and December telling you how to get the discount. You might be asked to call a helpline to confirm your details by 28 February.
Broader group
You’ll have to apply with your electricity supplier. They determine who’s eligible, and the number of discounts available are limited. Get in touch with them as early as possible to find out how to apply.
If you’re thinking about switching suppliers, you’ll need to stay with your current supplier until you’ve got your discount. If you don’t, you’ll lose it.
Warm Home Discount Scheme suppliers
From 2020, any energy supplier with over 150,000 customers will have to offer a Warm Home Discount.
To find out which suppliers are part of the scheme, look at the government’s current list of suppliers.