What is the Warm Home Discount Scheme – and can I apply?

The Warm Home Discount scheme gives eligible low-income households £150 off their energy bill this winter

From Cost of Living payments to Winter Fuel Payments, Cold Weather Payments and bonus payments, there's a lot of additional help available for struggling households during the cost of living crisis.

Indeed, some people are eligible for 5 payments before Christmas, and there are grants available via the Household Support Fund (HSF), too.

So it's no wonder families can lose track on what is available when, and who is eligible for the different payments.

The next scheme to become available – from Monday 16 October – is the Warm House Discount Scheme, which can save households £150 on their energy bills, but what exactly is it and how do you apply?

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What is the Warm Home Discount scheme?

The scheme gives households £150 off their electricity bill for winter – and in some cases off their gas bill.

Customers who qualify will receive a credit of £150 towards their energy bills before 31 March 2024.

The aim is to help low-income households keep their homes warm throughout winter.

How do I get the money?

The money is not paid to you – it’s a one-off discount on your electricity bill.

If you qualify, you'll automatically receive the discount from your electricity energy supplier. In some circumstances this can also apply to gas suppliers.

For those who have dual-fuel accounts, which means they receive both gas and electricity from the same supplier, there’s a possibility to apply the discount to the gas bill, offering flexibility in how the discount is utilised.

A spokesperson for the Government said: 'You could get £150 off your electricity bill for winter 2022 to 2023 under the Warm Home Discount Scheme.

'The money is not paid to you - it’s a one-off discount on your electricity bill.

'You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity and you’re eligible.

'Contact your supplier to find out.'

When does the scheme open for 23/24?

The Warm Home Discount Scheme for winter 2023 to 2024 opens on 16 October 2023.

The scheme is different if you’re on a low income in Scotland. Contact your electricity supplier as soon as possible to find out if you’re eligible and how to apply. Do not wait if you're in Scotland – the number of discounts is limited.

Do I qualify?

Households will receive a letter in the post over the coming weeks from the Government confirming their eligibility.

It’s essential to note that your electricity supplier must be part of the Warm Home Discount scheme for you to receive the benefit. Most large energy suppliers participate, but if you’re with a smaller supplier, it’s worth checking their involvement.

The official advice from the Government on who is eligible for the discount points out that it depends on where you live, and what benefits you are already receiving.

There are different ways to qualify for the Warm Home Discount Scheme depending on where you live.

If you live in England and Wales

You qualify if you either:

• get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit
• are on a low income and have high energy costs

If you live in Scotland

You qualify if you either:

• get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit
• are on a low income and meet your energy supplier’s criteria for the scheme

The Warm Home Discount scheme is not available in Northern Ireland.

Is there a qualifying period?

Yes.

If you weren't claiming any of the above benefits on 13 August 2023, you won't be eligible for the payment.

Can I get the discount if I'm on a pre-pay or pay-as-you-go meter?

Yes. You can still qualify for the discount if you use a pre-pay or pay-as-you-go electricity meter.

Your electricity supplier can tell you how you’ll get the discount if you’re eligible, for example you may be given a voucher you can use to top up your meter.

This ensures that even those without traditional billing methods can benefit from the scheme.

Do I need to apply?

You can apply for the Warm Home Discount Scheme for 2023, and see which suppliers are participating, from Monday, October 16, although most people in England and Wales will not need to apply and will receive the discount automatically.

This is because if you or your partner receives the Guarantee Credit portion of Pension Credit and 1 of you is named on the bill, the payment will be made automatically. There’s no need for you to apply.

For those in receipt of another ‘qualifying benefit’ and deemed to have high energy costs, an automatic payment will also be made. Again, no application is necessary in such cases.

If you meet the eligibility criteria, you will receive a letter between November and January. This letter serves as a notification about your qualification for the discount.

Upon receiving the notification letter, there’s no action required on your part. Your electricity supplier will take care of the rest. They will automatically apply the £150 discount to your bill by the end of March 2024.

Visit the Government's Warm Home Discount scheme page from Monday, 16 October for more details.

Which energy providers are signed up for the scheme?

As the scheme has not yet opened for 2023/4, the list is not yet available, however, we already know that Octopus Energy is taking part.

These are the providers who were part of the scheme last year:

• Affect Energy – see Octopus Energy
• Atlantic – see SSE
• Boost
• British Gas
• British Gas Evolve (formerly British Gas X) - see British Gas
• Bulb Energy
• Co-op Energy - see Octopus Energy
• E (Gas and Electricity)
• Ecotricity
• E.ON
• E.ON Next
• EDF
• GEUK (Green Energy UK) - if you live in Scotland, you must be in the ‘core group’ to be eligible
• Good Energy
• London Power
• M&S Energy
• Nabuh Energy - see British Gas
• Octopus Energy
• Outfox the Market
• OVO
• Rebel Energy - if you live in Scotland, you must be in the ‘core group’ to be eligible
• Sainsbury’s Energy
• Scottish Gas – see British Gas
• Scottish Hydro – see SSE
• ScottishPower
• Shell Energy Retail
• So Energy
• Southern Electric – see SSE
• SSE
• Swalec – see SSE
• Utilita
• Utility Warehouse

For any households who are eligible, but with a supplier who is not signed up for the scheme, there is a way to get help via British Gas – even if you are not with British Gas. You can read more about that here.

Will accepting the payment affect other benefits?

No.

And the Government has said this discount will NOT affect Cold Weather Payments or Winter Fuel Payments.

What If I don’t receive a letter?

If, by mid-January, you haven’t received a notification letter but believe you’re eligible for the discount, don’t hesitate to act.

You can contact the Warm Home Discount helpline on 0800 107 8002 for assistance.

The deadline for the winter season is set for 29 February 2024.

What other help can I get during the Cost of Living crisis?

The Netmums Cost of Living hub has all the latest stories about benefits and entitlements, and up-to-date information on announcements from the DWP.

You will find lots of Government-based advice on cash you might be entitled to, plus all the dates when you can expect the latest Cost of Living payments and other allowances to land in your bank account.

There are also top tips from the Money Saving Expert, Martin Lewis, as well as brilliant ideas for saving money on everything from your weekly shop, to that well-deserved holiday.

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