What is Warm Home Discount Scheme
Warm Home Discount Scheme is a government supported initiative designed to help households manage their energy costs during the colder months. Under the scheme, eligible customers can receive a £150 discount on their electricity bill for the winter period between October 2025 and March 2026.
Rather than being paid directly, the discount is automatically applied to your electricity account. If you’re on a dual fuel tariff (receiving both gas and electricity from the same supplier), your provider may instead apply the discount to your gas bill.
Am I eligible for the Warm Home Scheme?
Before applying, the first step is to check whether your energy supplier is part of the Warm Home Discount scheme. The official GOV.UK website regularly updates the list of participating suppliers, so it’s worth confirming your provider is included.
If your supplier is signed up, there are two main ways you could qualify for the discount through the Core Group or the Broader Group. Each group has different eligibility criteria based on factors such as income, benefits, and household circumstances.
In simple terms, the scheme aims to support low-income and vulnerable households by helping them reduce their energy costs during the winter months. Even if you’re unsure which category you fall under, it’s worth checking your eligibility many people qualify without realizing it.
Core Group Eligibility
You’ll generally fall under the Core Group if you receive the Guaranteed Credit element of Pension Credit a government benefit designed to boost the income of pensioners on a low income.
If you think you might qualify or want to learn more about Pension Credit and how to apply, you can check the latest information and eligibility criteria on the official GOV.UK website.
This group typically receives the Warm Home Discount automatically, so there’s no need to apply separately once your eligibility is confirmed.
Warm Home Discount – Broader Group Eligibility
Broader Group under the Warm Home Discount Scheme is designed to help households that may not qualify automatically but are still struggling with high energy costs. Eligibility for this group varies by energy supplier, but generally includes people on low incomes or those receiving certain means-tested benefits.
Each supplier sets its own criteria, so it’s important to check directly with your provider to see if you qualify. Some suppliers update their eligibility lists annually, so even if you weren’t eligible in the past, it’s worth reviewing again this year.
To make things easier, you can check the Warm Home Discount Broader Group details for major UK suppliers using the links below:
If you’re not sure which supplier you’re with or whether you qualify, you can also visit the official GOV.UK Warm Home Discount page for the most up-to-date information.
How to Apply for the Warm Home Discount
Getting the Warm Home Discount depends on whether you qualify under the Core Group or the Broader Group and whether your energy supplier is part of the scheme. Here’s how it generally works:
If you’re in the Core Group (for example, you receive the Guaranteed Credit element of Pension Credit) and your supplier participates in the scheme, you’ll receive the discount automatically. Most suppliers contact eligible customers between November and January, and the £150 discount is usually applied to your energy bill by the end of March.
If you believe you should qualify but haven’t received confirmation by January, you can contact the Warm Home Discount Helpline at 0800 030 9322 for assistance.
For those in the Broader Group, the process is slightly different you’ll need to apply directly through your energy supplier once applications open. Because each supplier has a limited number of discounts available, it’s best to apply as early as possible.
You can check or apply for the Warm Home Discount 2025–2026 directly through your supplier using the links below:
If you’re unsure about your eligibility or which supplier you’re with, visit the official GOV.UK Warm Home Discount page for full details and updates.
Will the Warm Home Discount Affect My Winter Fuel Payment or Cold Weather Payment?
If you’re wondering whether receiving the Warm Home Discount will reduce or impact your Winter Fuel Payment or Cold Weather Payment, the answer is no these are completely separate government support schemes.
Warm Home Discount Scheme helps reduce your energy bills directly, while the Winter Fuel Payment and Cold Weather Payment provide additional financial support during the colder months to help with heating costs. You can receive all three if you’re eligible, giving you extra help to stay warm and save money on energy this winter.
For full details, visit the official government pages below:
What Other Support Is Available to Help with Energy Bills?
If you’re struggling with rising energy costs or finding it difficult to keep your home warm this winter, there are several types of financial help available in the UK beyond the Warm Home Discount. Knowing what support you can access can make a big difference to your monthly bills and overall comfort.
1. Check You’re Claiming All Eligible Benefits
Many households miss out on support simply because they don’t realise they qualify. By claiming certain government benefits, you may automatically become eligible for schemes like the Warm Home Discount, Winter Fuel Payment, or ECO4 boiler grant.
You can quickly check what you’re entitled to using the official government tool:
Check benefits and financial support – GOV.UK
2. Apply for the Household Support Fund
If you’re struggling to cover essential living costs such as food, clothing, or utility bills, your local council may be able to help through the Household Support Fund. This scheme is designed to provide short-term financial support for households facing hardship.
You can find and contact your local council here:
Find your local council – GOV.UK
3. Explore Additional Energy Support Schemes
Alongside the Warm Home Discount, there are other ways to save on heating costs and improve energy efficiency:
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ECO4 Scheme – Free Boiler & Heating Grants – helps low-income households replace old or inefficient heating systems.
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Cold Weather Payment – provides automatic payments during periods of severe cold.
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Winter Fuel Payment – offers a one-off annual payment to help with heating costs for pensioners.
