Warm Home Discount 2025/26: Complete Guide for Households

Moseley for Ukraine
2 days ago
2 min read

What is the Warm Home Discount?

The Warm Home Discount is a UK government scheme that helps low-income households or pensioners reduce energy costs during winter.

What it offers: a one-off discount of £150 applied to your electricity bill (or gas if your supplier provides both).

Period: from October 2025 to 31 March 2026.

Coverage: England, Scotland, Wales (not available in Northern Ireland).

The discount is not paid in cash — it is credited to your account or provided as a voucher for prepayment meters. Official GOV.UK page

Who is eligible for the Warm Home Discount?

From 2025, rules have been simplified — the “hard to heat” criteria have been removed. Eligibility now depends on receiving certain benefits.

Eligible groups:

Core Group 1 (Automatic):
- You receive Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit) on the qualifying date (24 August 2025).
- Your energy supplier participates in the scheme.
- You will receive a confirmation letter and the discount automatically.
Core Group 2 (Low income):
- You receive one of the following means-tested benefits:
  - Universal Credit
  - Income-related ESA
  - Income-based JSA
  - Income Support
  - Housing Benefit
  - Child/Working Tax Credit
  - Pension Credit (Savings Credit)
- Your name must be on the electricity account as of 24 August 2025.

Check participating suppliers on Ofgem

How to get the Warm Home Discount: Step-by-step

England and Wales

Step 1: Check if your supplier participates in the scheme.
Step 2: Ensure your name is on the account by 24 August 2025.
Step 3: If you receive Pension Credit or other listed benefits, the discount will be applied automatically.
Step 4: If you haven’t received a letter by January 2026, check your status via GOV.UK or call 0800 030 9322.

Scotland

If you are in Core Group 1 — automatic.
If you are on a low income — apply through your supplier in September–October.

Common Issues and Solutions

1. Letter not received

Check your status on GOV.UK or call 0800 030 9322.
Prepare your account number and benefit details.

2. Changed supplier

Check if your new supplier participates (Ofgem list).
Contact your new supplier and inform them about your eligibility.

3. Billing error

Contact your supplier.
If unresolved, file a complaint via Ofgem Complaints.

Alternative Support Programs

Winter Fuel Payment

£100–£300 for people born before 22 September 1959.
Automatic or apply by 31 March 2026. Details on GOV.UK

Cold Weather Payment

£25 for each 7-day period of 0°C or below. Check eligibility on GOV.UK

Local Council Support

Help from your local council for energy bills, food, and essentials. Details on GOV.UK

What is NRPF and where is it stated?

If your immigration status (visa, eVisa, or Home Office letter) includes the condition “No recourse to public funds”, you cannot receive most government benefits, including the Winter Fuel Payment. This condition is usually shown:

On your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) (under “Remarks”).
In your Home Office decision letter or eVisa.
In your passport (stamp “No public funds”). More details at righttoremain.org.uk