Warm Home Discount Scheme 2025/26

Check eligibility for the £150 electricity bill rebate and Core Group deadlines.

The £150 Energy Bill Discount

The Warm Home Discount Scheme for winter 2025/2026 is a one-off £150 reduction applied directly to your electricity bill. Unlike the Cold Weather Payment, this is not paid as cash into your bank account. Instead, your energy supplier credits the amount to your account balance or tops up your prepayment meter.

Who is Eligible? (Core Groups)

The scheme is divided into two main groups. Most people get the discount automatically without needing to apply, provided your energy supplier is part of the scheme.

Core Group 1: Pensioners

You qualify automatically if you received the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit on the qualifying date.

Core Group 2: Low Income & High Costs

You qualify automatically in England and Wales if you meet both criteria:

• Benefit Status: You receive means-tested benefits like Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, or Income Support.
• High Energy Costs: Your property has a "High Energy Cost Score" based on its age, type, and floor area (calculated via VOA data).

Do I Need to Apply?

In England and Wales, the scheme is now largely automated. You should have received a letter telling you one of two things:

• Confirmed: You don't need to do anything. The discount will appear on your bill.
• More Info Needed: You must call the helpline (listed in the letter) to confirm your details (e.g., if the energy bill is in a different name).

Note for Scotland: The rules are slightly different. While pensioners are automatic, many on low income (Broader Group) must still apply directly to their energy supplier as funding is limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.