When Do You Get Warm Home Discount on Your Energy Bill?
The Warm Home Discount is a government scheme designed to provide vital support with energy costs during the colder months. Each year, millions of households across the UK rely on this payment to help manage rising winter bills.
For 2025/2026, the scheme continues to offer a one-off discount of £150, but many people are still unsure about when it is applied, who qualifies, and how it appears on their account.
Understanding the timelines and eligibility rules can make a big difference if you’re budgeting for winter. In this guide, we explain when you get the Warm Home Discount and how the process works.
What Is the Warm Home Discount Scheme and Why Does It Exist?
The Warm Home Discount Scheme is a government-backed initiative designed to help households struggling with high energy costs. Introduced in 2011, the scheme offers a one-off £150 discount on electricity bills during the winter.
The aim is to prevent fuel poverty and support those who are vulnerable, including pensioners and low-income families. Rather than paying money directly, the discount is applied automatically to your electricity bill by participating suppliers.
The scheme operates under two groups:
- Core Group 1: Those receiving the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit.
- Core Group 2: Low-income households with high energy costs.
It runs from October to March, and eligible households usually don’t need to apply unless they’re in Scotland. The scheme also complements, but doesn’t affect, the Cold Weather Payment or Winter Fuel Payment.
Who Qualifies for the Warm Home Discount in the UK?
Eligibility depends on your income, benefits, location, and whether your energy supplier is part of the scheme. It’s divided into two main groups:
Core Group 1 (England, Wales, Scotland)
- You or your partner receive Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit.
- Your name (or your partner’s) is on the electricity bill.
- You were with a participating supplier on the qualifying date (11 August 2024 for the 2025/2026 scheme).
Core Group 2 (England and Wales)
You may qualify if all the following applied on 11 August 2024:
- Your supplier is in the scheme.
- You or your partner receive:
- Housing Benefit
- Income-related ESA or JSA
- Income Support
- Universal Credit
- Working or Child Tax Credits
- Pension Credit (Savings Credit)
- Your home has a high energy cost score, based on the type, size, and age of your property.
In Scotland:
You must meet your supplier’s criteria if you’re on a low income. In most cases, you’ll need to apply directly.
Not Available in Northern Ireland: Residents should check the Affordable Warmth Scheme.
Checking your eligibility early can help ensure you don’t miss out on the Warm Home Discount for the 2025/2026 winter period.
What Has Changed in the Warm Home Discount Rules for 2025?
The scheme will reopen in October 2025, following the closure for the 2024/2025 season. A few key updates for the 2025/2026 cycle include:
- The qualifying date is now set for 24 August 2025.
- The discount remains £150, but only applies to electricity bills unless you’re on a dual-fuel tariff.
- The scheme is automatic for most eligible households unless you’re in Scotland.
- Energy cost scores are now used in England and Wales to determine eligibility for Core Group 2.
- If you’re eligible, you’ll either get a letter or see the credit applied automatically.
Always confirm your eligibility and keep your energy account details updated to avoid missing out.
When Do You Get Warm Home Discount?
The Warm Home Discount is applied between October and March each year. If you’re eligible, your electricity supplier will apply the £150 as a credit to your account. Prepayment meter users may receive a top-up voucher instead.
You don’t receive this as a cash payment. The timing may vary slightly between suppliers, but most households will see the credit applied before the end of March 2026.
If you’ve received a government letter or confirmed your eligibility via the checker, you should expect to see the discount reflected in your account during this window.
How Much Is It?
The Warm Home Discount offers a £150 credit applied once per year during the winter months. This fixed amount is designed to help reduce your heating and electricity costs.
You won’t receive the funds directly into your bank account. Instead, the discount is processed through your energy supplier and reflected on your electricity bill. The credit may appear as a reduction in your monthly bill or as a voucher, depending on your meter type.
Dual-fuel customers may be able to have the discount applied to their gas account instead, depending on the supplier’s policies. This can be particularly helpful for those whose heating relies heavily on gas.
How Will You Get the Payment?
The way you receive your Warm Home Discount depends on your meter type and your supplier:
- If you have a standard credit or smart meter, the £150 will be added as a credit to your electricity account.
- If you use a prepayment or pay-as-you-go meter, you’ll likely receive a top-up voucher.
- Some suppliers may allow the discount to be applied to your gas bill if you’re on a dual-fuel tariff.
Your supplier will notify you once the discount is applied. Make sure your contact details are up-to-date with your provider.
How to Check If You’ll Get the Warm Home Discount?
If you’re unsure whether you’ll receive the Warm Home Discount, there are simple ways to check your eligibility. While households in Core Group 1 usually qualify automatically, it’s a good idea to confirm your status to avoid missing out on the £150 winter support.
Ways to Check Your Eligibility:
- Use the GOV.UK Eligibility Checker: Enter your details online to see if you qualify for the scheme. The tool guides you through the process quickly.
- Look for a government letter: Most households receive a letter between October and January, confirming whether the discount has been applied automatically or if further action is needed.
- Call the Warm Home Discount Helpline: If you haven’t received a letter by mid-January but think you’re eligible, call 0800 030 9322. The deadline to contact the helpline is February 2026.
Keeping your energy account details up to date ensures your eligibility is assessed correctly and helps you receive the payment without delays.
Which Energy Suppliers Offer the Warm Home Discount in 2025?
Not all suppliers participate in the scheme. To receive the discount, you must be with a participating electricity supplier on the qualifying date (24 August 2025).
Here’s a table of confirmed suppliers for the 2025/2026 cycle:
| Supplier Name | Also Known As |
| British Gas | Scottish Gas |
| Octopus Energy | Affect Energy, Co-op Energy, Bulb |
| EDF | – |
| E.ON Next | – |
| OVO Energy | Boost, SSE |
| Shell Energy Retail | – |
| ScottishPower | – |
| Utilita | – |
| Utility Warehouse | – |
| Good Energy | – |
| TruEnergy | – |
| Fuse Energy | – |
| Rebel Energy | – |
| So Energy | – |
| Tomato Energy | – |
| Ecotricity | – |
| London Power | – |
Always check with your supplier if they’re still part of the scheme before switching.
What Happens If You Switch Suppliers Mid-Winter?
Switching suppliers during winter may affect how and when you receive the discount.
Here’s what to know:
- If you switch away from a participating supplier after 24 August 2025, you may still get the discount if your original supplier was in the scheme.
- If you switch to a non-participating supplier, you won’t get the discount unless the original supplier processes it first.
- If your supplier goes out of business, Ofgem will appoint a new one. You should then:
- Contact your new supplier to confirm eligibility.
- Provide your previous account details if needed.
Be cautious when switching and confirm discount availability with both old and new suppliers.
How Do Energy Suppliers Apply the Warm Home Discount?
Energy suppliers use your benefit data and property characteristics to determine eligibility. There are two groups with different criteria:
For Core Group 1
- Data is matched automatically with benefit records.
- Your supplier receives this information and applies the discount.
For Core Group 2
- Your income benefits and property energy cost score are assessed.
- If you qualify, a letter will confirm whether action is needed.
Prepayment Users
- Receive a voucher to top up their meter.
- Must use the voucher before it expires.
The actual timeline of applying the credit depends on the supplier, but it must be completed by 31 March 2026.
What Should You Do If You Didn’t Receive the Discount?
If you believe you were eligible for the Warm Home Discount but didn’t receive it, here’s what you should do:
- Step 1: Contact Your Energy Supplier
Get in touch with your current or previous electricity supplier. Ask them why the £150 credit wasn’t applied to your account. Ensure all your personal and account details are accurate and up to date. - Step 2: Confirm Eligibility
If you received a letter from the government or were informed by the Warm Home Discount helpline that you qualified, you have official confirmation of eligibility. Keep this documentation safe. - Step 3: Write to the Warm Home Discount Scheme
If your energy supplier cannot resolve the issue, you can escalate it by writing to:- Warm Home Discount Scheme
- PO Box 14127
- Selkirk
- TD7 9AH
Include the following in your letter:
- Full name, address, and date of birth
- Confirmation letter reference number (if available)
- Name of your energy supplier and your electricity account number
- Name on the electricity bill (if different from yours)
Following these steps promptly will help ensure you receive the Warm Home Discount you’re entitled to for the 2025/2026 winter period.
What If You’re Not Eligible: Are There Other Options?
If you don’t qualify for the Warm Home Discount, you might still be able to receive other forms of energy support:
| Scheme | Description |
| Winter Fuel Payment | Annual payment for people born before 25 September 1957 |
| Cold Weather Payment | Extra money if temperature is zero or below for 7 days |
| Household Support Fund | Local council support for essential living costs including utilities |
| Energy Supplier Help | Some offer grants or energy-saving advice for low-income customers |
Contact your local council or Citizens Advice to explore these additional supports. Being informed ensures you don’t miss out on help.
Conclusion
Knowing when you get the Warm Home Discount can help you plan your winter finances. For most eligible UK residents, the £150 credit will be applied automatically to electricity bills between October and March.
Use the eligibility checker or wait for your letter. If you’re unsure or haven’t received your discount by January, contact the helpline.
Whether you qualify through Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits, staying informed ensures you get the help you’re entitled to this winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will you know if the discount has been applied?
You’ll usually see the £150 credit on your electricity bill, or receive a top-up voucher if you’re using a prepayment meter. Some suppliers may notify you by post, email, or app.
Can you get the discount on your gas bill instead?
Yes, if you’re a dual-fuel customer (same supplier for gas and electricity), ask your supplier if they can apply the discount to your gas account instead.
What if the person named on the electricity bill is different?
To qualify, the person receiving the benefit must be named on the bill (or their partner must be). Otherwise, the household might not be eligible under core group rules.
Is there a deadline to contact the helpline?
Yes, the deadline to contact the Warm Home Discount helpline if you believe you’re eligible but didn’t get a letter is end of February 2026.
Can you still get the discount if you live in a rented property?
Yes, as long as you’re responsible for paying the electricity bill and meet the eligibility criteria, being a tenant doesn’t disqualify you.
How is the energy cost score calculated?
It’s based on your home’s characteristics such as type, floor area, and age — not your actual usage. This helps determine your eligibility under Core Group 2.
Is the warm home discount available in Northern Ireland?
No, the Warm Home Discount Scheme does not apply in Northern Ireland. You should check for the Affordable Warmth Scheme in your local area.
