Warm Home Discount

Warm Home Discount is a one-off payment to help with the cost of energy during the winter. It's designed to make things a bit easier for those living on a low income or pension.

What is the Warm Home Discount?

Warm Home Discount is a one-off payment to reduce eligible customers’ bills over the winter months. This winter (2022-23), it's rising from £140 to £150.

You get the payment automatically if your electricity supplier is part of the Warm Home Discount scheme and you or your partner receive the Guarantee Credit portion of Pension Credit. One of you must be named on your bill.

Getting a Warm Home Discount doesn't affect your entitlement to a Winter Fuel Payment or Cold Weather Payment.

How much is the Warm Home Discount?

If you're eligible for Warm Home Discount, you'll get £150 off your bills in winter 2022-23.

The money won't be paid to you directly – it'll be added as credit to your electricity account. This usually happens between October and April.

You might be able to get the discount applied to your gas bill if you're a dual-fuel customer (you have a combined plan for gas and electricity with the same supplier).

If you use a prepayment meter, you'll probably be given a top-up voucher.

Some suppliers also offer indirect help to customers as part of the Warm Home Discount scheme. This might include advice on using less energy and help with reducing energy-related debts.

Am I eligible for the Warm Home Discount?

The eligibility requirements for Warm Home Discount are changing this winter (2022-23).

To qualify, you or your partner must have an account with a participating electricity supplier, and one of you must claim one of the following:

• the Guarantee Credit portion of Pension Credit
• a different 'qualifying benefit' (if you have high energy costs).

The qualifying benefits include the Savings Credit portion of Pension Credit and Housing Benefit. If you claim one of these, the government will assess your energy costs based on the type, age and size of your property. If you think the assessment is inaccurate, you can challenge it.

If you're worried about rising energy costs, check you're claiming all the benefits you're entitled to. Claiming certain benefits can make you eligible for Warm Home Discount.

It's also worth checking whether you're eligible for a £150 payment from your local council under the government's Council Tax rebate scheme.

You can also ask your local council about its Household Support Fund if you need help to cover the cost of food, clothing or utilities.

How do I claim the Warm Home Discount?

In winter 2022-23, most eligible households will get Warm Home Discount automatically.

This is different from previous years, when you had to claim the money from your supplier if you weren't claiming the Guarantee Credit portion of Pension Credit.

To decide whether you get the discount, the government will look at your circumstances on a specific date, known as the 'qualifying date'.This is normally in July.

What if I switch energy suppliers?

If your electricity supplier isn't part of the Warm Home Discount scheme, you could consider switching to a participating supplier. But switching may not actually save you money, depending on the deal you're offered.

Equally, a new supplier you're considering switching to might not participate in the Warm Home Discount scheme, so it's important to factor that in if you currently receive it.

Seek the latest impartial advice first - for example, call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.

To find out which suppliers participate in the Warm Home Discount Scheme, view participating suppliers here.